Exam 1; Dental Calculus

Question 1

This is mineralized plaque that forms on the surfaces of natural teeth and dental prostheses

Answer 1

dental calculus

Question 2

What are the two types of dental calclus

Answer 2

supragingival

subgingival

Question 3

This type of calculus is white/white-ish yellow, clay like in consistency, easily detached from the teeth, and is commonly found opposite salivary ducts

Answer 3

supragingival

Question 4

This type of calculus is usually hard and dense, dark colored, extending to the base of the pocket but not covering the JE

Answer 4

subginvigal

Question 5

What are the four methods for detecting calculus

Answer 5

tactile expoloration
dental radiographs (not always)
blast of air to open gingival margin
color of the overlying gingiva

Question 6

True or False

Calculus represents a secondary products of infection is and a primary cause of periodontitis

Answer 6

False; it does represent secondary products of infection but it is NOT a primary cause of periodontitis

Question 7

What are the two main mechanisms of attachment of calculus

Answer 7

underlying pellicle

penetration of surface irregularities

Question 8

What changes does the pellicle undergo in order for calculus to attach

Answer 8

the pellicle calcifies and attaches to cementum, enamel, or dentin

Question 9

What are four examples of penetration of surface irregularities which allow for calculus to attach

Answer 9

caries
exposed root cementum
previous insertion of Sharpey’s fibers
root resorption

Question 10

Where does mineralization of calculus begin

Answer 10

in bacterial colonies or ECM

Question 11

This form a calcium phosphate is the basis for supra gingival calculus formation and is seen in recent (<2 week old) calculus

Answer 11

brushite (CaH(PO4)x2H2O)

Question 12

This form of calcium phosphate is predominant in exterior layers and forms platelet like crystals

Answer 12

octa calcium phosphate (Ca4H(PO4))3 x 2H2O

Question 13

This form of calcium phosphate is predominant in layers of old calculus and forms rod or sand-grain like crystals

Answer 13

hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3 x OH

Question 14

This form of calcium phosphate is the most common form in sub gingival calculus and has hexagonal crystals

Answer 14

whitlockite β-Ca3(PO4)2

Question 15

True or False

calculus is not the etiological agent of periodontitis

Answer 15

True

Question 16

Calculus is covered by a layer of what

Answer 16

visible plaque

Question 17

Roughness of calculus does not initiate what

Answer 17

gingivitis

Question 18

Calculus impedes what

Answer 18

oral hygiene measures

Question 19

Calculus keeps plaque where

Answer 19

in close proximity to tissues

Question 20

Calculus is removed due to its what

Answer 20

plaque retentive nature