36 Questions
What term refers to the specialized tissues that surround and support the teeth?
Periodontium
What is the primary function of the periodontium?
To provide a barrier from the oral microflora
What is the gingiva divided into?
Three parts: free, marginal, and attached
What is the name of the part of the periodontium that surrounds the tooth necks?
Gingiva
What is the purpose of understanding the periodontal structures?
To understand the disease process affecting the periodontium
What is the function of the periodontal ligament?
To attach the tooth to the alveolar bone
What is the name of the bony structure that supports the teeth?
Alveolar bone
What is the term derived from the Greek terms peri- and -dont?
Periodontium
What is helpful in establishing a diagnosis of oral soft tissue pathology?
Knowledge of clinical characteristics such as size, location, and surface morphology
What is a challenge in monitoring the health of the oral soft tissues?
The lack of objective measures to facilitate meaningful comparisons
How does the soft tissue examination differ from orthodontic monitoring?
Study models can be used in orthodontic monitoring, but not in soft tissue examination
Why have caries and periodontal disease been the focus of the greatest attention?
Because they are more prevalent than the pathology affecting the oral soft tissues
What is a characteristic of caries and periodontal disease?
They are more prevalent than the pathology affecting the oral soft tissues
What is the main difficulty in diagnosing oral soft tissue pathology?
The lack of objective measures to facilitate meaningful comparisons
What is one of the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Pain during mastication
What is a way to determine the degree of stippling?
Surface palpation and light rubbing
What is a possible consequence of leaving periodontal disease untreated?
Susceptibility to systemic health concerns
What is the ranking of periodontal disease as a threat to dental health?
The second biggest threat
Which demographic is more likely to have periodontal disease?
Men with less than a high school education
What percentage of current smokers are affected by periodontal disease?
64.2%
What is the purpose of a thorough and systematic examination of the soft tissues of the head and neck?
To ensure that no parts are missed
What is the function of the oral cavity?
To represent the first part of the digestive tube
What is the incisive papilla?
A tissue projection that covers the incisive foramen
What is the maxillary tuberosity?
A bulge of bone posterior to the most posterior maxillary molar
What is the function of the mucosa?
To line the oral cavity and protect it from irritation
What is the vestibule?
A space between the maxillary or mandibular teeth, gingiva, cheeks, and lips
What is Wharton's duct?
A salivary duct opening on either side of the lingual frenum on the ventral surface of the tongue
What is the uvula?
A non-bony, muscular projection that hangs from the midline at the posterior of the soft palate
What is one of the earliest signs of gingival inflammation?
Gingival bleeding even with gentle probing
What is a common risk factor for periodontal disease?
Smoking
What is the term for acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis?
ANUG
What is a result of acute inflammation in periodontal disease?
Bright red erythema
What is a consequence of defective fillings in terms of periodontal disease?
Increased risk of periodontal disease
What is a characteristic of gingivitis?
Inflammation of marginal gingiva
What is a possible underlying factor contributing to periodontal disease?
All of the above
What is the term for the loss of gingival stippling and knife-edge free gingival margins?
Altered gingival form
Study Notes
Oral Cavity and Soft Tissue Conditions
- The oral cavity is the first part of the digestive tube and its primary function is to break down food.
- A thorough and systematic examination of the soft tissues of the head, neck, and oral cavity is essential to ensure no parts are missed.
Soft Tissue Components
- Gingiva: mucosal tissue surrounding the maxillary and mandibular teeth and bone.
- Hard palate: anterior portion of the palate formed by the processes of the maxilla.
- Incisive papilla: a tissue projection that covers the incisive foramen on the anterior of the hard palate.
- Maxillary tuberosity: a bulge of bone posterior to the most posterior maxillary molar.
- Maxillary/Mandibular tori: bony enlargements that can occur on the maxilla or mandible.
- Mucosa: mucous membrane lining the oral cavity.
- Uvula: a non-bony, muscular projection hanging from the midline at the posterior of the soft palate.
- Vestibule: space between the maxillary or mandibular teeth, gingiva, cheeks, and lips.
- Wharton's duct: salivary duct opening on either side of the lingual frenum on the ventral surface of the tongue.
Periodontium
- The periodontium is composed of the gingiva, alveolar mucosa, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
- It supports the teeth in their alveolar bone and provides a barrier for the underlying structures from the oral microflora.
Gingiva
- The gingiva is the visible part of the periodontium, surrounding the tooth necks and covering the alveolar bone.
- It is divided into three parts: free gingiva, marginal gingiva, and attached gingiva.
Periodontal Disease
- Periodontal disease is a common threat to dental health, more prevalent in men, those living below the poverty level, those with less than a high school education, and current smokers.
- Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, stress, heredity, crooked teeth, underlying immuno-deficiencies, defective fillings, and certain medications.
- Clinical changes in periodontal disease include altered color, gingival bleeding, and altered gingival form.
Clinical Changes in Periodontal Disease
- Altered color: an initial bright red erythema associated with inflammation, which may revert to its original healthy color if not severe.
- Gingival bleeding: one of the earliest signs of gingival inflammation, which precedes changes in color or other visual signs of inflammation.
- Altered gingival form: loss of stippling, loss of knife-edge free gingival margins, and rounded interdental papilla.
Periodontal Disease Types
- Periodontal disease ranges from simple and early inflammation of marginal gingiva to advanced gingivitis and subsequently periodontitis.
- Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) is a severe form of periodontal disease characterized by plaques, necrotic tissue, and grayish slough.
This quiz covers the steps involved in a thorough dental examination, including the examination of the labial mucosa, gingiva, and hard palate.
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