It is important that the clinician covers every square millimeter of the root surface during scaling and root planing. Vertical strokes alone are sufficient to achieve total instrumentation of the root surface. 

Removing subgingival calculus deposits is a challenging task since the clinician cannot see the deposits hidden beneath the gingival margin. Instrumentation zones are used to divide the root surface into a series of narrow tracts.  

Case Study questions 28-30.  A 23 year old male patient presents to your office today for the first time. He tells you that it has been “a long time” since he has been to the dentist. He just started a new job and has dental insurance and wants to “take care of his mouth.”  His chief complaint is that his gums bleed while he brushes them sometimes, and his teeth are sensitive when he eats sweets. You take a full mouth series of radiographs and perform all assessments including the medical/dental history, oral cancer screening, periodontal probing, periodontal risk assessment, CAMBRA, plaque score, and gingival observations. The patient is on anticonvulsants for seizures with no other medical concerns. Blood pressure is 112/82 and pulse is 65.    Findings from assessments: CAMBRA: High risk Plaque Index: 12 PRA: Moderate risk Periodontal charting: Generalized 3-4 mm pockets and BOP in >30% of the mouth. No recession noted. Slight gingival overgrowth throughout.  Radiographs:  Bone levels are in tact

Powered tips should be inspected for wear and discarded when they have a MINIMUM _____ of wear.

Which are goals of periodontal therapy?   Preserve Improve Maintain Eliminate or control plaque biofilm

Pain caused by dentinal hypersensitivity can be caused by mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimuli.

For heavy calculus removal, a powered instrument is used in a series of tapping motions. For subgingival deplaquing, the lateral surface of a powered instrument is moved in a series of sweeping motions.

What is a major difference between scaling and root planing (SRP) and periodontal debridement?

Which of the following correctly describes the character of the instrumentation strokes used with a calculus removal stroke?

From the following list, select the phagocytic host cells that are involved in periodontal infections.                     1. Lymphocytes            2. Macrophages            3. Melanocytes            4. Neutrophils            5. Immunoglobulins