Supportive periodontal care

Question 1

Which statement is most true regarding sub-gingival calculus removal during periodontal therapy?

a) All calculus deposits should be removed.
b) Calculus can be left if it’s smooth.
c) Calculus can be left if it’s smooth and PDL can reattach.

Answer 1

b

Question 2

What is calculus?

Answer 2

Mineralised bacterial plaque

Mineralised by plaque ECM and bacterial walls

Question 3

Is calculus primary to secondary cause of periodontitis?

Answer 3

Secondary

Question 4

Normal PPD reductions to NSM (non-surgical management?  (initial PPD 4-6mm)
A)	0.5
B)	1
C)	1.5
D)	2
E)	2.5
F)	3
G)	3.5

Answer 4

c

Question 5

Normal PPD reductions to NSM?  (initial PPD >6mm)
A)	0.5
B)	1
C)	1.5
D)	2
E)	2.5
F)	3
G)	3.5
H)	4
I)	4.5

Answer 5

Between D and E

Question 6

Post-therapy PPDs- what would  you be happy leaving before SPT (supportive periodontal treatment)?
a) 9mm
b) 8mm
7mm
6mm
5mm
4mm
3mm
2mm
1mm

Answer 6

4

Question 7

Recall frequency during SPT?

Answer 7

Case dependent but typically 2-4 months

Question 8

Why wait 2-4 months fro recall?

Answer 8

Time for LJE to develop
Sub-gingival flora can re-establish
Assess OH
Allow complete healing and collagen maturation

Question 9

What components comprise of supportive periodontal therapy?

Answer 9

Risk factor assessment - behaviour changes
OH assessment
Scaling
RSI
Indices

Question 10

What to do is patient is not responding to supportive periodontal therapy?

Answer 10

Palliative periodontal care - document this well
Try to make sure it doesn’t get any worse
Increase frequency of recalls
Refer to specialist

Question 11

What is supportive periodontal therapy?

Answer 11

Professional therapeutic measures that support a patients own effort to control periodontal infections and avoid re-infections