Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the most accurate description of 'probing depth'?
What is the most accurate description of 'probing depth'?
- The distance from the alveolar crest to the mucogingival junction.
- The distance from the gingival margin to the bottom of the pocket. (correct)
- The distance from the free gingival margin to the attached gingiva.
- The distance from the cementoenamel junction to the bottom of the pocket.
A periodontal probe with a tip diameter outside the range of 0.4mm - 0.5mm could lead to:
A periodontal probe with a tip diameter outside the range of 0.4mm - 0.5mm could lead to:
- No change in probing depth measurements as long as the probe is properly calibrated.
- Easier access to deep periodontal pockets.
- Underestimation or overestimation of probing depths. (correct)
- More accurate probing depth measurements due to reduced tissue damage.
During periodontal probing, what does 'walking the probe' refer to?
During periodontal probing, what does 'walking the probe' refer to?
- Moving the probe in a continuous, sweeping motion around the tooth.
- Applying constant, firm pressure to overcome tissue resistance.
- Inserting and removing the probe at each measurement point.
- Making a series of light, bobbing strokes to examine the entire sulcus. (correct)
When undertaking a six point pocket chart, which of the following is correct?
When undertaking a six point pocket chart, which of the following is correct?
What is a primary limitation of using probing depth alone to assess periodontal status?
What is a primary limitation of using probing depth alone to assess periodontal status?
If the gingival margin is apical to the CEJ (recession), how is this recorded, and what does it indicate?
If the gingival margin is apical to the CEJ (recession), how is this recorded, and what does it indicate?
Why is it important to decipher the information obtained from periodontal assessments?
Why is it important to decipher the information obtained from periodontal assessments?
How is clinical attachment level (CAL) measured?
How is clinical attachment level (CAL) measured?
A patient presents with inflammation and bleeding on probing, but no clinical attachment loss. This is characteristic of:
A patient presents with inflammation and bleeding on probing, but no clinical attachment loss. This is characteristic of:
What two measurements are needed to calculate the clinical attachment level (CAL)?
What two measurements are needed to calculate the clinical attachment level (CAL)?
In a scenario where the gingival margin is at its normal position, where it is slightly coronal to the CEJ and the probing depth is 6mm, what is the clinical attachment loss?
In a scenario where the gingival margin is at its normal position, where it is slightly coronal to the CEJ and the probing depth is 6mm, what is the clinical attachment loss?
If the probing depth is 4mm and the gingival margin is +2mm (apical to the CEJ), what is the clinical attachment level (CAL)?
If the probing depth is 4mm and the gingival margin is +2mm (apical to the CEJ), what is the clinical attachment level (CAL)?
The probing depth is measured at 9mm. The gingival margin level is recorded as -3mm. What is the CAL?
The probing depth is measured at 9mm. The gingival margin level is recorded as -3mm. What is the CAL?
What does a '0' measurement of the free gingival margin typically indicate?
What does a '0' measurement of the free gingival margin typically indicate?
Why is the Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) considered a more reliable indicator of periodontal support than probing depth (PD) alone?
Why is the Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) considered a more reliable indicator of periodontal support than probing depth (PD) alone?
A reading of -'ve' on the gingival margin indicates that the gingival margin is:
A reading of -'ve' on the gingival margin indicates that the gingival margin is:
Which of the following best describes the significance of assessing the free gingival margin during a periodontal examination?
Which of the following best describes the significance of assessing the free gingival margin during a periodontal examination?
In the context of periodontal assessments, what does the acronym 'CEJ' stand for?
In the context of periodontal assessments, what does the acronym 'CEJ' stand for?
Why is the probe angulation important?
Why is the probe angulation important?
Which of the following is considered a modifiable factor that can affect the accuracy and reliability of periodontal probing?
Which of the following is considered a modifiable factor that can affect the accuracy and reliability of periodontal probing?
Why are ergonomics important to effective periodontal probing?
Why are ergonomics important to effective periodontal probing?
Why clinical attachment loss (CAL) is critical in distinguishing between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Why clinical attachment loss (CAL) is critical in distinguishing between gingivitis and periodontitis?
In the six-point pocket chart, which location does '4' refer to?
In the six-point pocket chart, which location does '4' refer to?
Of these options, what does the color orange indicate?
Of these options, what does the color orange indicate?
Why could the terminology of the six point pocket chart be considered misleading?
Why could the terminology of the six point pocket chart be considered misleading?
When measuring recession on the free gingival marin apically to the CEJ, what sign would this take?
When measuring recession on the free gingival marin apically to the CEJ, what sign would this take?
When measuring the gingival margin coronally to the CEJ, what sign would this take?
When measuring the gingival margin coronally to the CEJ, what sign would this take?
Flashcards
Probing Depth
Probing Depth
The distance from the gingival margin to the bottom of the pocket.
6 Point Pocket Chart
6 Point Pocket Chart
A chart using six points around each tooth to assess periodontal health.
Free Gingival Margin
Free Gingival Margin
The edge of the gingiva that is not attached to the tooth.
Natural Position (0)
Natural Position (0)
The gingival margin position is normal in relation to the CEJ.
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Gingival Margin Covers CEJ (-'ve)
Gingival Margin Covers CEJ (-'ve)
The gingival margin covers the CEJ.
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Gingival Margin Apical CEJ (+'ve)
Gingival Margin Apical CEJ (+'ve)
The gingival margin is located apically to the CEJ, indicating recession
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Recession
Recession
Recession of the gingival margin apical to the CEJ.
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Clinical Attachment Levels (CAL)
Clinical Attachment Levels (CAL)
Measure of true periodontal support around a tooth.
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Gingivitis (no CAL loss)
Gingivitis (no CAL loss)
Inflammation of the gums without any loss of attachment.
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Periodontitis (CAL loss)
Periodontitis (CAL loss)
Inflammation of the gums with loss of attachment.
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Probing Depth
- The probing depth refers to the measure in distance from the gingival margin to the bottom of the pocket
- Probing depth is measured to the nearest millimeter using a graduated periodontal probe
- The gradated periodontal probe has a standardised tip diameter of 0.4mm - 0.5mm
Healthy Sulcus vs Unhealthy Sulcus
- Healthy sulcus vs unhealthy sulcus indicated visually
Six Point Pocket Chart
- Six point pocket chart is undertaken as a pre-treatment periodontal assessment
- Point one refers to the distobuccal line angle to the midline of the distal surface
- Point two refers to the buccal surface
- Point three refers to the mesiobuccal line angle to the mesial surface
- Point four refers to the distolingual line angle to the distal surface
- Point five refers to the lingual surface
- Point six refers to the mesiolingual angle to the midline of the mesial surface
Limitations/Errors of Probing
- Limitations and errors of probing should be considered
Free Gingival Margin
- The level of the free gingival margin in relation to the CEJ indicates the positioning, and can be described as natural, covering the CEJ and apical.
- A gingival margin apical, relative to the CEJ is charted as a positive number
- A gingival margin covering the CEJ is recorded as a negative number
- When the gingival margin is slightly coronal to the CEJ, this is considered a normal state and read as zero
Clinical Attachment Levels (CAL)
- CAL refers to a measurement of true periodontal support around a tooth
- CAL provides an estimate of true periodontal stability and loss of support for a tooth
- CAL uses the CEJ as a fixed point on the tooth for measurement
- CAL helps recognise the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis
- Inflammation without clinical attachment loss is gingivitis
- Inflammation with clinical attachment loss is periodontitis
Calculating CAL
- Probing depth and the level of the gingival margin are necessary for calculating CAL
- When the gingival margin is the natural location: Clinical attachment loss = Probing depth + 0
- When recession is present: Clinical attachment loss = Probing depth + positive gingival margin level
- When the gingival margin covers the CEJ: Clinical attachment loss = Probing depth + negative gingival margin level
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