Calculus

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Questions and Answers

Calculus is considered a risk factor because:

The surface of calculus is irregular and provides a place for bacteria to grow undisturbed (correct)
The bacteria derive many of their needed nutrients from the hard calculus deposits
The surface of calculus can damage the adjacent soft tissue through direct trauma
Calculus is the primary cause of periodontal disease

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

True (A)

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)

Kate is predisposed to forming calculus in these areas
Kate is may have a high calcium diet and this means she will make more calculus
There is a genetic link on where people form calculus
Kate is more at risk for forming calculus in these areas as they are located near salivary glands (correct)

Methods of calculus detection are:

Probing (B), Radiographs (C), Vision (D) Signup and view all the answers

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)

Sam is at risk of plaque and calculus growth on his prosthetic appliances and must attend dental hygiene appointments regularly (A) Signup and view all the answers

Supra and sub gingival calculus both derive their minerals from saliva

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The composition of dental calculus consists of organic & inorganic substances

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

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

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

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

Attachment to the blood clots that can form on the tooth (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Why is calculus a risk factor?

Calculus is a risk factor for oral disease because its irregular surface promotes undisturbed bacterial growth.

Does calculus directly cause periodontal disease?

False. While calculus doesn't directly cause periodontal disease, it facilitates plaque retention, which does.

Why calculus on lower anterior linguals and upper buccal molars?

These areas are prone to calculus due to their proximity to salivary glands, which provide minerals for calculus formation.

Calculus detection method

Dental calculus is detected through tactile examination, often using probing instruments to feel for rough surfaces.

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Calculus risk with prosthetics

Patients with prosthetic appliances are at higher risk of plaque and calculus accumulation and require regular hygiene appointments to maintain oral health.

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