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Question 1

What probe is used to detect interproximal caries?

Answer 1

Briault probe

Question 2

What instrument is specifically used for removing calculus from interproximal areas of teeth?

Answer 2

Push scaler

Question 3

What instrument provides the best tactile sensation during cavity preparation?

Answer 3

Double ended excavator

Question 4

What is a reason for restoring a permanent tooth but not necessarily a deciduous tooth?

Answer 4

Aesthetics

Question 5

Explain composition of plaque

Answer 5

70% cariogenic bacteria, 30% interbacterial substances
Day 1 - lactobacilli and streptococcus mutans
Day 3 - cocci, bacilli and filamentous
Day 8 - bacilli, cocci, filamentous, fusiform, spirochetes and vibrious

Question 6

How does plaque develop?

Answer 6

When food debris and bacteria is not properly cleaned away
Plaque grows on salivary pellicle
Develops on areas that are not cleaned naturally or are hard to clean mechanically
Plaque contains bacteria, toxins and acids build up and can cause demineralisation of enamel

Question 7

What is a false pocket?

Answer 7

When gum is swollen and red and BPE gives a false reading of 3mm or over
Reading is reversible with good oral hygiene

Question 8

What is a true pocket?

Answer 8

Pocket forms around teeth producing BPE of 3mm or over with no bleeding or swelling of gums
True pocket will have thickened cementum, bone loss, plaque forming at end of apex
This is irreversible but can slow progression

Question 9

What is the gingival crevice?

Answer 9

Where the teeth meet the gums
Small v shaped groove around cuff of tooth

Question 10

What is epithelial attachment?

Answer 10

The skin that holds the teeth in place at the base of gingival crevice
Forms barrier seal around tooth to prevent damage from trauma and microorganisms

Question 11

What is free gingivae?

Answer 11

Tissue not directly attached to tooth but forms a collar around it
Is visible in the mouth and is attached to tooth by epithelial attachments

Question 12

What is attached gingivae?

Answer 12

Lies adjacent to free gingivae, is attached to bone and to the neck of the tooth
Function is to help maintain good periodontal health

Question 13

What is the alveolar bone?

Answer 13

Spongey bone, sits in both maxilla and mandible and surrounds roots of teeth to support them
This bone contains sockets and is responsible for holding teeth in place

Question 14

Signs and symptoms of gingival inflammation?

Answer 14

Red, loose, bleeding gums
Swelling around interdental papillae
Over 2mm pocket depths
Gums may have smooth, shiny appearance

Question 15

Causes of gingivitis

Answer 15

Undisturbed plaque bacteria in gingival crevice
These bacteria produce toxins that irritate gums and cause them to become inflamed

Question 16

What can happen if hardened plaque is not removed?

Answer 16

Cause epithelial attachments and perio ligaments to detach from teeth
Condition is irreversible as damage to bone cannot be repaired

Question 17

What can happen if hardened plaque is not removed?

Answer 17

Cause epithelial attachments and perio ligaments to detach from teeth
Condition is irreversible as damage to bone cannot be repaired

Question 18

What is ANUG

Answer 18

Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis
Infective form of gingivitis caused by anaerobic bacteria such as spirochetes and bacilli

Question 19

Difference between gingivitis and periodontitis

Answer 19

Gingivitis - inflammation of gums, produce false pockets, is reversible

Periodontitis - inflammation of periodontal tissues and affects bone levels, irreversible and can lead to tooth mobility and loss

Question 20

Causes of dental caries?

Answer 20

High sugar diet/frequent snacking
Poor oral hyigene
Difficulty cleaning areas - such as wisdom teeth on funny angles

Question 21

What is erosion?

Answer 21

Tooth worn away by acidic foods/drinks or if patient has acid reflux

Question 22

What is abrasion?

Answer 22

Tooth worn away by repetitive grinding or vigorous brushing

Question 23

What is attrition?

Answer 23

Tooth worn away by chewing
Biting a certain way can cause wear facets in teeth over time

Question 24

What is a stagnation area?

Answer 24

Area where food debris tends to accumulate

Question 25

What is a plaque trap?

Answer 25

Area which can be difficult to clean, which causes bacteria to harbour and maintain plaque

Question 26

Why is it important to remove supra-gingival calculus?

Answer 26

Leave smooth surface on teeth
Maintains healthy gums and reduce halitosis
Prevent reformation of plaque on teeth

Question 27

Why is it important to remove sub-gingival calculus?

Answer 27

Reduce tooth mobility and reduce risk of tooth loss by removing debris from pockets
Helps to reduce risk of infection in periodontal pockets