Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Oral Anatomy > Dental calculus > Flashcards

Dental calculus Flashcards

1
Q

what is dental calculus?

A
  • mineralized biofilm
  • hard tenacious mass that forms on crowns of teeth, roots and any dental prothesis
  • calculus is significant in the progression of inflammation and periodontal disease because it provides a rough surface for the adherent bacterial biofilm to attach to
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

does calculus cause disease?

A

NO - biofilm causes disease. thus, it is important for the clinician to:

  • thoroughly remove calculus deposits from the tooth surface (rough surface)
  • educated the patient on the importance of thorough home cleaning on a daily basis and regular dental cleanings
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

how is dental calculus classified? what are the 2 types of dental calculus?

A
  • by its location on the tooth surface related to the adjacent free gingival margin
  • supragingival calculus and subgingival calculus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

when and where can a patient get calculus?

A
  • at any age, on any permanent or primary tooth
  • increases with age
  • more likely to be seen on secondary teeth
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

how does supragingival calculs appear?

A
  • cream, chalky, can be stained by extrinsic stains (yellow, black, brown)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

where is subgingival calculus located?

A

most commonly interproximally

  • can form in any sulcus
  • tends to follow supragingival calculus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

how does subgingival calculus attach/what to?

A
  • most mechanical by interlocking within dentin/cementum (difficult to remove)
  • can attach through acquired pellicle (will be weak)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

identification of calculus prior to removal depends on:

A

appearance, consistency and distribution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

appointment planning, instrument selection, and technique used for removal depends on the understanding of:

A
  • texture, morphology and mode of attachment of the calculus deposit
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

how can we examine supragingivally for calculus?

A
  • direct examination using a mouth mirror

- use of compressed air (small deposits are more noticeable when dry)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

how can we examine subgingivally for calculus?

A
  • visual examination: dark edge or hue can be seen below the gingival margin, use compressed air, and transillumination to view dark dull shadow areas
  • gingival tissue colour change: dark calculus shine through thin gingiva
  • tactile examination: probe and explore to asses location and amount
  • radiographs: can exhibit large deposits interproximally
  • perioscopy: can show calculus in deep pockets and furcations that go otherwise undetected (burnished)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

how do we describe the calculus deposits on a patient’s clinical record?

A
  • calculus deposits must be described in the clinical examination record
  • the location (sub/supra) and the extend of the deposit (mild/moderate/severe) must be designated
  • description: granular, spicules and ledges, tenacity
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

calculus formation step-by-step

A

1 - pellicle formation
2 - biofilm maturation*
3 - mineralization*

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

what are the steps to biofilm maturation?

A

1 - microorganisms settle in the pellicle layer
2 - colonies are formed
3 - the colonies grow together to form a cohesive biofilm layer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

what is mineralization?

A

within 24-72 hours, more and more mineralization centers develop close to the underlying tooth surface. eventually the centers grow large enough to touch and unite

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

mineralization formation depends on…

A
  • roughness of tooth surface
  • oral hygiene
  • quantity of biofilm
  • salivary flow
  • saliva/oral cavity pH
  • light formers: pyrophosphate in saliva
17
Q

what is the average formation time for dental calculus?

A
  • about 12 days for soft biofilm to mineralize into dental calculus (ranges from 10 days for quick formation to 20 days for slow formation)
  • mineralization can begin as early as 24-72 hours
18
Q

structures of calculus: layers

A
  • forms in layers that are parallel to the tooth surface
  • these layers are separated by a line of pellicle that was deposited over the previously formed calculus
  • incremental lines
  • this is evidence that calculus grows or increases by apposition of new layers
19
Q

structure of calculus: surface

A
  • the surface of a calculus deposit is rough and appears as peaks, valleys and pits
20
Q

structure of calculus: outer layer

A
  • the outer layer of a subgingival deposit is partly calcified
  • on the surface is a soft mat-like layer of dental biofilm
  • this outer surface of biofilm is in contact with epithelial tissue in the pocket increasing disease potential
21
Q

3 modes of attachment for dental calculus:

A

1 - acquired pellicle: is superficial because no interlocking or penetration
2 - mechanical: attachment to minute irregularities in the tooth surface by mechanical locking into undercuts
3 - direct contact: interlocking of inorganic crystals or tooth with mineralizing dental biofilm

22
Q

composition of calculus: inorganic

A
  • inorganic components, mainly calcium, phosphorus, CO3, sodium, magnesium, and potassium
  • trace elements: including Cl, Zn, Sr, Br, Cu, Mn, Au, Al, Si, Fe, and Fl
  • fluoride
  • crystals: principally apatite
23
Q

calculus compared with teeth:

A
  • enamel is the most highly calcified tissue in the body: 96% inorganic
  • calculus is 75-85% inorganic
24
Q

composition of calculus: organic

A

consists of:
- various types of non-vital microorganisms
- desquamated epithelial cells
- leukocytes
most of the organisms in calculus are nonviable
its the biofilm on the surface that contains the viable organisms

25
Q

how does subgingival biofilm develop? what does it contain?

A
  • subgingival biofilm develops as a result of downward growth of supra-gingival biofilm bacteria
  • subgingival biofilm contains pathogenic bacteria that cause inflammation and destruction in the gingival tissue
26
Q

relationship of dental calculus attachment loss and pocket formation:

A
  • with increased pocket depth, greater amounts of biofilm can accumulate with increased numbers of pathogenic organisms
  • calculus is mineralized bacterial biofilm that forms next to the tooth surface
  • subgingival calculus is always covered by masses of active bacterial biofilm
  • calculus can act as a reservoir for endotoxins and tissue breakdown products
  • calculus is a predisposing factor in pocket development
27
Q

professional removal of calculus:

A
  • removal of calculus provides a smooth tooth surface in an environment conducive to gingival healing
  • the smooth surfaces can be easier for the patient to maintain
  • with emphasis on good oral hygiene and routine professional removal, low levels of supra and sub-gingival calculus have been demonstrated on a long-term basis
28
Q

how can we prevent calculus?

A
  • professional removal of calculus
  • personal bacterial biofilm control
  • anticalculus dentrifice/mouthrinses
29
Q

what is personal bacterial biofilm control?

A
  • removal of bacterial biofilm by appropriately selected brushing, flossing and supplementary methods is a major factor in the control of dental calculus re-formation
30
Q

what is anticalculus dentrifice/mouthrinses?

A
  • calculus control dentrifices/mouthrinses currently available contain pyrophosphates, zinc citrate, zinc chloride, or triclosan
  • the dentrifices/rinses do not have an effect on existing calculus deposits and are offered as a preventive measure

Oral Anatomy (20 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions