Question 1

Calculus becomes firmly attached to the tooth surfaces through which mechanism(s)?

Accepted Answer

Calculus attaches to tooth surfaces primarily through mechanical interlocking and pellicle attachment. The pellicle is a protein film that forms on the tooth surface, allowing calculus to adhere.

Question 2

The hygienic pontic (easy for the patient to keep clean)should have what characteristics?

Accepted Answer

The hygienic pontic should be designed to facilitate easy cleaning by the patient. A spherical design that is 3 mm away from the gingiva allows for easy access and cleaning around the pontic, reducing the risk of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.

Question 3

Subgingival calculus forms throughout the mouth.Regular calculus removal results in attachment loss.

Accepted Answer

Subgingival calculus does form throughout the mouth, but regular calculus removal does not directly result in attachment loss. In fact, regular removal of calculus can help prevent attachment loss by reducing inflammation and promoting healthy periodontal conditions. Attachment loss is more commonly associated with untreated periodontal disease, which can lead to destruction of the supporting tissues and bone around the teeth.

Question 4

How long does it take for plaque biofilm to begin to mineralize?

Accepted Answer

Plaque biofilm begins to mineralize within 24 hours of formation.

Question 5

The results of calculus removal include:

Accepted Answer

Calculus removal can result in improved tissue tone as it removes the buildup of tartar and bacteria that can cause irritation and inflammation in the gingival tissues. It can also aid in reducing pocket depths and improving overall periodontal health, which can lead to less bleeding and swelling of the gums. The other options (B, C, D) are not necessarily affected by calculus removal.

Question 6

Significant tissue improvement occurs with calculus removal.Poorly contoured restorations do not affect tissue health.

Accepted Answer

The first statement is true as the removal of calculus can improve tissue health. However, the second statement is false as poorly contoured restorations can lead to poor tissue health and hygiene.

Question 7

The mineral content of subgingival calculus is derived from:

Accepted Answer

Subgingival calculus primarily derives its mineral content from crevicular fluid, not saliva, food particles, or salivary ducts. This fluid seeps into the gingival crevice or pocket, providing minerals that contribute to the calcification process of dental plaque, forming calculus beneath the gumline.

Question 8

Subgingival calculus is associated with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Subgingival calculus is a common cause of periodontal attachment loss as it provides a rough surface for bacterial accumulation, making it difficult for the host defense to eliminate the oral pathogens. Over time, chronic bacterial infection can damage the periodontal tissues, leading to attachment loss and eventual tooth loss.

Question 9

The risk of severe periodontal disease is increased by approximately what amount for those who smoke tobacco products?

Accepted Answer

The risk of severe periodontal disease is increased by approximately 2.8 times for those who smoke tobacco products.

Question 10

Subgingival calculus is made up of crystals that can grow into cemental irregularities and bond to tooth structure.These qualities are important to understand because they explain why:

Accepted Answer

Subgingival calculus is often more tenacious than supragingival calculus due to its ability to grow into cemental irregularities and bond to tooth structure. This makes it challenging to remove during scaling and root planing procedures. Supragingival calculus, on the other hand, is often easier to remove as it does not have these same qualities.

Question 11

Orthodontic bands and brackets are associated with which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Orthodontic bands and brackets can make it difficult to clean teeth properly, leading to an increase in plaque biofilm accumulation and a higher risk of gingivitis.

Question 12

Hydroxyapatite is the predominant crystal type in mature supragingival calculus.Approximately 80% of supragingival calculus is made up of minerals.

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyapatite is indeed the predominant crystal type in mature supragingival calculus, and it is accurate that approximately 80% of supragingival calculus is composed of minerals.

Question 13

The patient must be actively involved in maintaining their gingival health.Daily plaque control helps a patient maintain gingival health.

Accepted Answer

Both statements are true. The first statement emphasizes the importance of patient involvement in maintaining gingival health, while the second statement acknowledges that daily plaque control is an effective approach to accomplish this goal.

Question 14

The toxic effects of tobacco are caused by:

Accepted Answer

All of the above options are correct. Tobacco use can lead to changes in gingival epithelium and mucosal cells, decreases in the vascular reaction to inflammation, and a reduced ability of PMNs to phagocytize substances, all of which contribute to the toxic effects of tobacco on oral health.

Question 15

Each of the following characteristics is related to increased rates of calculus formation except one.Which characteristic is the exception?

Accepted Answer

Higher individual inhibitory factors would actually decrease rates of calculus formation as they inhibit the growth and activity of bacteria that contribute to calculus formation. Elevated pH, higher concentrations of salivary bacterial protein and lipid, and higher concentrations of calcium in saliva and crevicular fluid are all associated with increased rates of calculus formation.

Question 16

Removable partial dentures are important to clean.They are associated with deeper pockets and caries susceptibility,especially on abutment teeth.

Accepted Answer

Both statements are true. Removable partial dentures require diligent cleaning because they can trap food and plaque, leading to deeper periodontal pockets and increased risk of caries, particularly around the teeth that serve as abutments for the denture.

Question 17

The risk of periodontal disease is increased for moderate drinkers.The protective effects of alcohol consumption and the presence of social habits must be considered when discussing these risk indicators with patients.

Accepted Answer

Both statements are true. Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with an increased risk of periodontal disease. Additionally, the protective effects of alcohol and the role of social habits are important considerations in the context of periodontal health, as they can influence an individual's risk factors and behaviors related to oral health.

Question 18

Adequate plaque biofilm control is more difficult to achieve with restored teeth.Poorly contoured restorations do not retain plaque.

Accepted Answer

The first statement is true as plaque biofilm removal can be more difficult around restored teeth due to the contours of the restoration. The second statement is false as poorly contoured restorations can actually trap plaque, making biofilm control even more difficult.

Question 19

The loss of the first molar is associated with periodontal disease.This condition can affect the extent and severity of disease.

Accepted Answer

The loss of the first molar can indeed be associated with periodontal disease, and this condition can affect the extent and severity of the disease. The first molar is crucial for maintaining proper occlusion and function, and its loss can lead to a cascade of dental issues, including an increased risk for periodontal disease in the surrounding teeth.

Question 20

Subgingival calculus is always covered with dental plaque biofilm.The presence of subgingival calculus and plaque biofilm causes greater progression of periodontal disease than plaque biofilm alone.

Accepted Answer

Both statements are true. Subgingival calculus serves as a reservoir for bacteria, contributing to the formation of dental plaque biofilm. The combination of subgingival calculus and plaque biofilm exacerbates the progression of periodontal disease more than plaque alone due to the increased bacterial load and the rough surface of calculus that facilitates further plaque accumulation.

Quiz 5: Calculus and Other Disease-Associated Factors

Calculus becomes firmly attached to the tooth surfaces through which mechanism(s) ?

The hygienic pontic (easy for the patient to keep clean) should have what characteristics?