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Questions and Answers
What is a primary characteristic of the inorganic composition of subgingival calculus compared to supragingival calculus?
What is a primary characteristic of the inorganic composition of subgingival calculus compared to supragingival calculus?
What is not one of the modes of attachment for dental calculus to the tooth surface?
What is not one of the modes of attachment for dental calculus to the tooth surface?
What happens to dental plaque in the initial stages before it converts to calculus?
What happens to dental plaque in the initial stages before it converts to calculus?
How long does calcification of plaque generally begin after plaque formation?
How long does calcification of plaque generally begin after plaque formation?
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Which source primarily mineralizes supragingival calculus?
Which source primarily mineralizes supragingival calculus?
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What is a characteristic of plaque that does not develop into calculus?
What is a characteristic of plaque that does not develop into calculus?
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What is one of the reasons for the difficulty in removing dental calculus from the tooth surface?
What is one of the reasons for the difficulty in removing dental calculus from the tooth surface?
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Which mineral element's concentration in plaque is notably higher than in saliva?
Which mineral element's concentration in plaque is notably higher than in saliva?
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What is the characteristic color of supragingival calculus?
What is the characteristic color of supragingival calculus?
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Where is supragingival calculus most commonly located?
Where is supragingival calculus most commonly located?
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What describes subgingival calculus?
What describes subgingival calculus?
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What can influence the color of supragingival calculus?
What can influence the color of supragingival calculus?
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What is a common effect after the removal of supragingival calculus?
What is a common effect after the removal of supragingival calculus?
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How is the extent of subgingival calculus typically assessed?
How is the extent of subgingival calculus typically assessed?
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What is true regarding the relationship between supragingival and subgingival calculus?
What is true regarding the relationship between supragingival and subgingival calculus?
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Which of the following statements about subgingival calculus is incorrect?
Which of the following statements about subgingival calculus is incorrect?
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What percentage of the inorganic component of dental calculus is typically composed of calcium phosphate?
What percentage of the inorganic component of dental calculus is typically composed of calcium phosphate?
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Which crystal form is most commonly found in supragingival calculus?
Which crystal form is most commonly found in supragingival calculus?
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What is the primary component of the organic content in dental calculus?
What is the primary component of the organic content in dental calculus?
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In what form does lipids exist as a part of the organic component in dental calculus?
In what form does lipids exist as a part of the organic component in dental calculus?
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Which inorganic component has the lowest percentage in dental calculus composition?
Which inorganic component has the lowest percentage in dental calculus composition?
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Which two crystal forms are typically found together in the majority of supragingival calculus samples?
Which two crystal forms are typically found together in the majority of supragingival calculus samples?
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What is the approximate percentage of carbohydrates in the organic content of dental calculus?
What is the approximate percentage of carbohydrates in the organic content of dental calculus?
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Which of the following elements is NOT typically found in the inorganic composition of dental calculus deposits?
Which of the following elements is NOT typically found in the inorganic composition of dental calculus deposits?
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What is the primary location where mineralization of plaque begins?
What is the primary location where mineralization of plaque begins?
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Why is distinguishing between calculus and plaque effects on gingiva difficult?
Why is distinguishing between calculus and plaque effects on gingiva difficult?
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What is the relationship between calculus and gingivitis?
What is the relationship between calculus and gingivitis?
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Which of the following statements about calculus is true?
Which of the following statements about calculus is true?
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Which organisms are identified as periodontal pathogens found within calculus?
Which organisms are identified as periodontal pathogens found within calculus?
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What is the composition of materia alba?
What is the composition of materia alba?
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What is a key characteristic of dental stains?
What is a key characteristic of dental stains?
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How does materia alba irritate the gingiva?
How does materia alba irritate the gingiva?
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Study Notes
Calculus Overview
- Mineralized bacterial plaque on teeth and prostheses.
- Supragingival calculus is above the gum line, visible, usually white or whitish-yellow.
- Subgingival calculus is below the gum line, not visible without instruments, often dark brown or greenish-black.
- Common supragingival locations: buccal surfaces of maxillary molars and lingual surfaces of mandibular anterior teeth.
- Both types of calculus may coexist but can occur independently.
Composition of Calculus
- Inorganic content constitutes 70-90% of calculus, primarily calcium phosphate (76%).
- Other inorganic components include calcium carbonate, magnesium phosphate, and trace elements like sodium and zinc.
- Four primary crystal forms: Hydroxyapatite (58%), Magnesium whitlockite (21%), Octacalcium phosphate (12%), Brushite (9%).
- Organic content includes proteins, epithelial cells, leukocytes, and microorganisms, constituting 1.9-9.1% carbohydrates.
Attachment Mechanisms
- Four modes of calculus attachment:
- Organic pellicle on cementum/enamel
- Mechanical locking into surface irregularities
- Close adaptation to tooth surface
- Penetration into cementum.
Formation and Mineralization
- Dental plaque mineralizes within 4-8 hours, with salts precipitating between the 1st and 14th day.
- Calculus can become 50% mineralized in 2 days and 60-90% in 12 days.
- Saliva contributes to supragingival mineralization; gingival crevicular fluid is a source for subgingival calculus.
- Calcium content in plaque can exceed that in saliva by 2 to 20 times.
Microbial Influence and Periodontal Disease
- Mineralization starts extracellularly around organisms; both gram-positive and gram-negative species play a role.
- Calculus is consistently covered with nonmineralized plaque, complicating the assessment of its impact on gingiva.
- Positive correlation exists between calculus presence and gingivitis, but plaque is a stronger etiologic factor for periodontal disease.
- Key periodontal pathogens found within calculus, including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Additional Deposits
- Materia alba is a soft, sticky deposit containing bacteria, desquamated cells, and proteins, less adherent than plaque.
- Dental stains are pigmented deposits that can accumulate on tooth surfaces.
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Description
This quiz covers the types and characteristics of dental calculus, including supragingival and subgingival calculus. It details their locations, visibility, and composition. Test your knowledge on the formation and significance of calculus in oral health.
