DentistryLesson 1 of 1 in the course Periodontal disease

Periodontal Tissues, Disease, Classification, and Care

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces periodontology and the tissues that surround, support, and protect the teeth. Understanding these structures provides the foundation for recognizing periodontal health and disease.

Periodontology, also called periodontics, is the dental specialty concerned with the supporting structures of teeth and the diseases and conditions that affect them. A periodontist is a dentist with specialist training in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants.

All flashcards

What is periodontology?
The dental specialty that studies the supporting structures of teeth and the diseases and conditions that affect them.
What is the periodontium?
The group of tissues that surrounds, supports, and protects teeth: gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone.
What does the periodontal ligament do?
It connects root cementum to alveolar bone, contains collagen fibres, blood vessels, and nerves, and helps absorb forces on teeth.
How does attached gingiva differ from alveolar mucosa?
Attached gingiva is firmly bound to underlying tissues and helps withstand functional stresses. Alveolar mucosa is non-keratinized, redder, and more mobile.
What are the functions of cementum?
Cementum covers root dentine, anchors periodontal ligament fibres, protects dentine, and seals the exposed ends of dentinal tubules.

Quiz questions

  1. In the 2018 periodontitis classification, what does grading describe?Answer: Evidence or risk of progression and anticipated treatment response.
  2. What is the primary aetiological factor in periodontal disease?Answer: Dental plaque biofilm.
  3. About how long after initial periodontal therapy are patients generally reassessed?Answer: About 3–6 weeks.
  4. Which approach is central to routine plaque control in periodontal care?Answer: Mechanical disruption and removal of plaque biofilm.
  5. How can smoking affect the clinical signs of periodontal disease?Answer: Visible inflammation may be less pronounced despite deeper pockets and attachment loss.

Based on the Wikipedia article Periodontology, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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