Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary component contributing to calculus formation according to enzymatic theory?
What is the primary component contributing to calculus formation according to enzymatic theory?
- Phosphatases (correct)
- Sodium ions
- Calcium carbonate
- Salivary proteins
Which of the following correctly describes supragingival calculus?
Which of the following correctly describes supragingival calculus?
- Has a higher sodium content than subgingival calculus
- Forms below the gingival margin
- Is easily detached from the tooth (correct)
- Is not clinically visible
What color is subgingival calculus typically associated with?
What color is subgingival calculus typically associated with?
- White
- Yellow
- Brown or greenish black (correct)
- Colorless
How is the sodium content in subgingival calculus affected?
How is the sodium content in subgingival calculus affected?
What differentiates heavy calculus formers from non-calculus formers?
What differentiates heavy calculus formers from non-calculus formers?
Which characteristic is true for subgingival calculus compared to supragingival calculus?
Which characteristic is true for subgingival calculus compared to supragingival calculus?
What is a key component that is absent in the composition of subgingival calculus?
What is a key component that is absent in the composition of subgingival calculus?
Which factor does NOT affect the rate of calculus accumulation in individuals?
Which factor does NOT affect the rate of calculus accumulation in individuals?
What is the texture of supragingival calculus primarily described as?
What is the texture of supragingival calculus primarily described as?
Which classification indicates individuals with the most significant calculus formation?
Which classification indicates individuals with the most significant calculus formation?
What percentage range of organic material is found in dental calculus?
What percentage range of organic material is found in dental calculus?
Which crystalline structure is NOT associated with dental calculus?
Which crystalline structure is NOT associated with dental calculus?
Which theory suggests that an increase in saliva pH leads to the formation of dental calculus?
Which theory suggests that an increase in saliva pH leads to the formation of dental calculus?
Which location is NOT commonly classified for the presence of dental calculus?
Which location is NOT commonly classified for the presence of dental calculus?
Which of the following bacteria is often considered involved in the formation of dental calculus?
Which of the following bacteria is often considered involved in the formation of dental calculus?
What component makes up the majority of dental calculus?
What component makes up the majority of dental calculus?
According to the epitactic concept, how does calculus formation begin?
According to the epitactic concept, how does calculus formation begin?
Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to the variation in location of dental calculus?
Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to the variation in location of dental calculus?
Which of these statements accurately describes the transformation theory of calculus formation?
Which of these statements accurately describes the transformation theory of calculus formation?
Which element is NOT commonly found in the inorganic composition of dental calculus?
Which element is NOT commonly found in the inorganic composition of dental calculus?
Flashcards
Enzymatic theory of calculus formation
Enzymatic theory of calculus formation
Calculus forms when phosphatases from saliva or oral bacteria break down phosphate-containing molecules, likely hexose phosphate esters.
Supragingival calculus
Supragingival calculus
Calculus found above the gum line, on the crown of the tooth.
Subgingival calculus
Subgingival calculus
Calculus found below the gum line, on the root of the tooth.
Supragingival calculus appearance
Supragingival calculus appearance
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Subgingival calculus appearance
Subgingival calculus appearance
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Chemical makeup of supragingival calculus
Chemical makeup of supragingival calculus
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Chemical makeup of subgingival calculus
Chemical makeup of subgingival calculus
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Calculus formation categories
Calculus formation categories
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Variability in calculus formation
Variability in calculus formation
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Calculus and dental disease
Calculus and dental disease
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What is dental calculus?
What is dental calculus?
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When does dental calculus form?
When does dental calculus form?
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How is dental calculus classified?
How is dental calculus classified?
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What is the composition of dental calculus?
What is the composition of dental calculus?
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What are the inorganic components of dental calculus?
What are the inorganic components of dental calculus?
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What is the crystalline structure of dental calculus?
What is the crystalline structure of dental calculus?
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Explain the booster mechanism theory of calculus formation.
Explain the booster mechanism theory of calculus formation.
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Explain the epitactic concept of calculus formation.
Explain the epitactic concept of calculus formation.
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Explain the inhibition theory of calculus formation.
Explain the inhibition theory of calculus formation.
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Explain the transformation theory of calculus formation.
Explain the transformation theory of calculus formation.
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Study Notes
Dental Calculus Definition and Classification
- Dental calculus is mineralized bacterial biofilm, forming 48 hours to 2 weeks after plaque biofilm.
- Calculus is classified by location:
- Anterior: On the front teeth.
- Posterior: On the back teeth.
- Supragingival: Above the gum line.
- Subgingival: Below the gum line.
- Gingival crevice: In the gingival crevice.
- Root surface with periodontal pockets: On the root surfaces with periodontal pockets.
- Prothesis: On prosthetic devices.
- Restoration ledges: On ledges of dental restorations.
- Imbricated teeth: Between overlapping teeth.
- Occlusal surfaces: On the biting surfaces.
- Individual: Variations in calculus formation based on individual
- Age: Changes over time in calculus formation.
Composition and Structure
- Calculus is composed of:
- Organic (10-30%): Primarily plaque bacteria, dead epithelial cells, and white blood cells.
- Inorganic (70-90%): Primarily magnesium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and calcium phosphate.
- Crystalline structure:
- Calcium brushite
- Octacalcium phosphate
- Calcium hydroxyapatite
- Magnesium whitlockite
Theories of Calculus Formation
- Booster Mechanism: A rise in saliva pH allows precipitation of calcium phosphate salts, potentially caused by CO2 loss or ammonia production.
- Epitactic Concept: Small calcification foci (seeds) grow and fuse to form a larger mass.
- Inhibition Theory: Calcification happens only at specific sites due to an inhibiting mechanism elsewhere, which can be altered or removed.
- Transformation Theory: Hydroxyapatite formation is not only from epitaxy or nucleation, but transformations from amorphous, non-crystalline deposits to brushite and then to hydroxyapatite.
- Bacterial Theory: Oral microorganisms (like Leptotrichia and Actinomyces) are a primary cause through attachment to tooth surfaces.
- Enzymatic Theory: Phosphatases from oral tissues or microorganisms act on salivary phosphates, possibly phosphoric esters, leading to calculus formation.
Supra vs. Subgingival Calculus
- Supragingival:
- Adheres tightly to the crowns of teeth.
- Located coronal to the gingival margin.
- Usually white or yellow, hard and clay-like.
- Higher brushite and octacalcium phosphate, lower magnesium whitlockite.
- Low sodium content, has salivary proteins.
- Clinically visible.
- Relatively easy to remove.
- Subgingival:
- Adheres firmly to tooth surfaces.
- Located apical to the crest of marginal gingiva.
- Usually brown, greenish-black, hard, and firm (flint/glass-like).
- Lower brushite and octacalcium phosphate, higher magnesium whitlockite.
- Subgingival:
- Higher sodium content, lacking salivary proteins. Not visible.
- Harder to remove.
Relevance to Dental Disease
- Calculus formation varies greatly between individuals, teeth, and time periods.
- Individuals are categorized as:
- Heavy
- Moderate
- Slight
- Non-calculus formers
- Calculus accumulation directly influences the progression of dental diseases.
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Description
Explore the definition and classification of dental calculus in this quiz. Learn about its formation, location, and composition. This quiz covers essential knowledge for dental hygiene students and professionals.