Calculus Moodle quiz

Calculus is considered a risk factor because:

Dental calculus is mineralised petrified dental plaque and does not directly cause to progression of periodontal disease

Kate attends the dental surgery presenting complaining that she always forms calculus on her lower anterior linguals and upper buccal molars. You reassured Kate with the following information (Select the most appropriate answer)

Methods of calculus detection are:

Sam has had several crowns and implants fitted seven months ago. He has only attended the dental hygiene appointment for the first time since the prosthesis were fitted. (Select the most appropriate answer)

Supra and sub gingival calculus both derive their minerals from saliva

The composition of dental calculus consists of organic & inorganic substances

What is the composition of inorganic material in calculus

What is the composition of organic material in calculus?

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism for attachment of calculus to a tooth surface?

The composition of inorganic material in dental calculus is 10-30%

Calculus as a Risk Factor

Calculus is not a direct cause of periodontal disease.
The presence of calculus can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.

Calculus Formation

Individuals may be prone to calculus formation in specific locations, such as the lower anterior linguals and upper buccal molars.

Calculus Detection

Methods include:
- Visual examination
- Tactile exploration using a dental instrument
- Radiographic examination

Calculus Composition

Calculus consists of:
- Inorganic material: 60-80%
  - Calcium phosphates: Hydroxyapatite, octacalcium phosphate, whitlockite
  - Calcium carbonate: Calcite, aragonite
  - Other: Magnesium, sodium, potassium, fluoride
- Organic material: 20-40%
  - Bacteria: Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
  - Extracellular matrix: Polysaccharides, proteins
  - Lipids

Attachment Mechanisms

Attachment of calculus to the tooth surface can occur through:
- Adhesion: Calculus adheres to the acquired pellicle, which is a thin film of proteins and glycoproteins that forms on the tooth surface.
- Interlocking: Calculus can physically interlock with irregularities on the tooth surface.
- Mechanical interlocking: Calculus can penetrate into the enamel or cementum, anchoring it to the tooth structure.
- Not Attachment: Mineralization: Calculus does not mineralize the tooth surface as a mechanism of attachment.

Calculus and Implants

Following prosthetic placement, regular hygiene appointments are crucial to monitor for calculus formation.
Implants are susceptible to calculus formation, just like natural teeth.