CALCULUS AND STAINING

Question 1

What is calculus

Answer 1

the hardened form of dental plaque. As saliva remineralizes teeth, it also mineralizes (calcifies, petrifies, fossilizes) the
organic plaques on teeth.

Question 2

Calculus can occur in as little as what time frame

Answer 2

24 hours (or several days/weeks)

Question 3

Excessive calculus can cause what

Answer 3

periodontitis

Question 4

Can calculus be removed?

Answer 4

can be prevented with good oral hygiene but cant be removed without professional care.

Question 5

Intrinsic staining occurs when

Answer 5

when the tooth is internally stained. This can happen as a result of a necrotic pulp, use of certain medications or high fever while teeth are developing, or with long term smoking or coffee drinking. The only treatment is bleaching or covering teeth with prosthetics.

Question 6

What does dimineralized or hypermineralized teeth look like

Answer 6

may have a chalky-white intrinsic stain as

the enamel is no longer translucent.

Question 7

Extrinisic staining occurs when

Answer 7

when an outside source stains the plaque and calculus surrounding the tooth. This can be the result of coffee, wine, tobacco, and certain beans. Some patients may acquire them through heavy metals breathed in their
workspace.

Question 8

Can you remove extrinsic staining

Answer 8

yes. Can be prevented with good oral hygiene but can only be removed by a professional