Chapter 21: Calculus

Question 1

Calculus occurs most frequently on:

Answer 1

facial surfaces of maxillary molars

Question 2

What are the major inorganic components of calculus?

Answer 2

calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), carbonate (CO3), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K).

Question 3

What are the three basic steps of calculus formation?

Answer 3

1. Pellicle formation
2. Biofilm formation
3. Mineralization

Question 4

Where is the sources of minerals for supracalculus?

Answer 4

The source of elements for supragingival calculus is the saliva.

Question 5

Where is the sources of minerals for subcalculus?

Answer 5

The gingival sulcus fluid and the inflammatory exudate supply the minerals for the subgingival deposits

Question 6

What does heavy calculus formers have more of compared to light calculus formers in their saliva?

Answer 6

Heavy calculus formers have higher salivary levels of calcium and phosphorus than do light calculus formers. Light calculus formers have higher levels of parotid pyrophosphate.

Question 7

How early can mineralization of both supra- and subgingival calculus begin?

Answer 7

24 to 48 hours

Question 8

Average time for calculus to form from biofilm?

Answer 8

Average of 12 days

Question 9

The lines between layers of calculus is called _____

Answer 9

incremental lines

Question 10

How do incremental lines form supra? Sub?

Answer 10

Supragingival calculus incremental lines form around the tooth.
Subgingival calculus incremental lines form irregularity from the crown to the apex of the root surface.

Question 11

What do you use for detecting calculus?

Answer 11

Mouth mirror, compressed air, and light

Also an explorer or probe