Question 1

Most patients in periodontal maintenance are best maintained at which recall interval?

Accepted Answer

Most patients in periodontal maintenance are best maintained at recall intervals between 3 and 4 months. This allows for regular monitoring of periodontal health and detection of any necessary interventions or changes to the treatment plan. However, recall intervals may vary depending on the individual patient's needs and risk factors.

Question 2

Studies have shown that patients receiving periodontal treatment lose fewer teeth than patients who do not receive treatment.Periodontal maintenance treatment is critical to the reduction of tooth mortality.

Accepted Answer

Both statements are true. Studies have indicated that periodontal treatment can help in reducing tooth loss, and periodontal maintenance is essential in continuing to reduce the risk of tooth mortality.

Question 3

Hyperensitivity occurs in many patients when root surfaces are exposed from periodontal therapy,malpositioned teeth,or improper toothbrushing techniques.Normal aging contributes to the exposure of root surfaces and may result in root sensitivity.

Accepted Answer

Both statements accurately describe common causes and contributing factors to root sensitivity, including the exposure of root surfaces due to various dental conditions and practices, as well as the role of normal aging in such exposure.

Question 4

Which agent has been demonstrated to be an effective desensitizer for sensitive teeth?

Accepted Answer

Potassium oxalate has been demonstrated to be an effective desensitizer for sensitive teeth by occluding the exposed dentinal tubules. Tin oxide is an abrasive agent used primarily in dental polishing compounds. Sodium nitrite is a chemical compound used in some toothpaste brands for its anti-bacterial properties. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming agent commonly used in toothpaste but does not have any desensitizing properties.

Question 5

Periodontal disease is always preceded by gingivitis.Gingivitis always leads to periodontal disease.

Accepted Answer

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and is the first stage of gum disease. However, not all cases of gingivitis progress to periodontal disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis which is a more severe form of gum disease. Therefore, it is true that periodontal disease is always preceded by gingivitis, but not all cases of gingivitis lead to periodontal disease.

Question 6

Managing dentinal hypersensitivity begins with recommending the use of fluoride toothpaste because hypersensitivity is more often related to root caries than to the exposure of root surfaces.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Managing dentinal hypersensitivity begins with recommending the...

Question 7

What is the best strategy to treat dentinal hypersensitivity after periodontal therapy?

Accepted Answer

Plaque control and fluoride use are the most effective strategies to treat dentinal hypersensitivity after periodontal therapy. Plaque control would help in removing the irritants causing sensitivity, and fluoride deposition would help to desensitize the teeth. Gingival grafting is not necessary for all cases of dentinal hypersensitivity, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents may not be effective in treating sensitivity. Avoiding touching the sensitive area until the discomfort resolves is not a viable long-term solution.

Question 8

An environment for opportunistic reinfection by pathogenic microbes,possibly resulting in disease progression,can be fostered by the:

Accepted Answer

Lack of adequate oral hygiene can create an environment where pathogenic microbes can thrive and cause opportunistic reinfection, leading to disease progression.

Question 9

Hypersensitivity in teeth is a common problem estimated to occur in:

Accepted Answer

Hypersensitivity in teeth is a common problem estimated to occur in one of seven adult patients.

Question 10

The highest rate of patient attrition occurs at what point in the periodontal maintenance treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

The highest rate of patient attrition occurs during the first year of the periodontal maintenance treatment plan. This may be due to various factors such as patients not fully understanding the need for ongoing maintenance, financial constraints or lack of motivation to continue treatment. It is important for dental professionals to educate and motivate patients for long-term success in periodontal maintenance.

Question 11

Patients with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of root caries because they have:

Accepted Answer

Recession exposes the root surfaces, making them more susceptible to caries since the roots have less mineralized tissue compared to enamel, offering less resistance to cariogenic bacteria.

Question 12

The usual reason reported for patient noncompliance in personal plaque biofilm control is that:

Accepted Answer

The most common reason patients report for not adhering to personal plaque biofilm control measures is that the program is perceived as too time consuming and difficult. This highlights the importance of dental professionals providing clear, manageable instructions and support to encourage compliance.

Question 13

Xerostomia is of concern in the management of the patient with periodontal disease because it is related to:

Accepted Answer

Xerostomia (dry mouth) decreases salivary flow and therefore decreases the protective and buffering properties of saliva. This can increase the risk of root caries, especially in patients with periodontal disease who may already have root surface exposure. Decreased calculus, decreased signs of gingival disease, and increased oral cancer risk are not directly related to xerostomia in the context of periodontal disease management.

Question 14

On examination,a soft,dark brown lesion is found on the cervical cementum of tooth #28,but the patient reports no discomfort in that area.What is the most likely cause of the lesion?

Accepted Answer

The answer of On examination,a soft,dark brown lesion is found...

Question 15

Periodontal disease is a causative factor in the development of root caries.Almost one half of all patients in periodontal maintenance treatment exhibit root caries.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Periodontal disease is a causative factor in...

Question 16

Daily application at home of 5000 parts per million (ppm)fluoride gel is an effective method to prevent root caries.The most effective fluoride gel preparation for root caries control has not been determined.

Accepted Answer

Both statements are true. Daily application of 5000 ppm fluoride gel is indeed effective for preventing root caries, but the most effective fluoride gel preparation for root caries control has not been definitively determined, indicating ongoing research and variability in individual responses.

Question 17

The objectives of periodontal maintenance include all of the following except one.Which objective is the exception?

Accepted Answer

Elimination of all oral bacteria is not possible with periodontal maintenance, as there will always be some level of bacteria present in the oral cavity. The other objectives listed are all important components of periodontal maintenance.

Question 18

Treating dentinal hypersensitivity with 1.1% neutral sodium fluoride (NaF)is effective because it reduces the patient's susceptibility to root caries.

Accepted Answer

The treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity with 1.1% neutral sodium fluoride (NaF) is effective because it helps to occlude the dentinal tubules, thereby reducing sensitivity. While fluoride treatments can also reduce susceptibility to root caries by strengthening tooth enamel and dentin, this benefit is not the direct reason why sodium fluoride is effective for treating dentinal hypersensitivity. Thus, while both the statement and the reason are correct, they are not directly related to each other in the context provided.

Question 19

A standardized plaque biofilm control program for all patients is the best way to ensure that each patient is adequately educated in home care procedures.Printed material,rather than chairside instruction,is a superior means of informing patients of oral hygiene needs.

Accepted Answer

Standardized plaque biofilm control programs may not address the individual needs of each patient, making personalized instruction more effective. Chairside instruction, which allows for demonstration and immediate feedback, is generally considered superior to printed materials for educating patients on oral hygiene.

Question 20

Fluoride therapy has proven to be an important protective factor in the caries balance.Most protective aspects of fluoride occur via systemic absorption during tooth development.

Accepted Answer

The first statement is true and supported by research, while the second statement is false because the most effective way fluoride works to prevent caries is via topical application, such as through toothpaste or fluoride treatments at the dentist. While systemic absorption during tooth development can provide some protection, it is not the most important protective aspect of fluoride.

Quiz 17: Periodontal Maintenance and Prevention