CA11-MDA Chapter 55 Periodontics – Flashcards
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The dental specialty involved with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting tissues
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Periodontics
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In a periodontal practice, the dental assistant will assist with
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Periodontal charting, periodontal surgeries and provide home-care instructions to the patient.
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Periodontics-Depending on the state dental practice act, the dental assistant may also place and remove
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periodontal dressings, remove sutures, perform coronal polishing, take impressions for study models, and administer topical fluoride applications.
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Patients are referred to a periodontists office by the
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general dentist or dental hygienist for treatment of a periodontal condition.
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After periodontal treatment in a periodontist office, the patient will return to
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The general dentist for routine dental care.
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Frequently periodontal patients will alternate periodontal maintenance (cleaning) appointments between the ________________________. The staff in the two offices must coordinate periodontal maintenance therapy between the two practices to provide comprehensive care for the patient.
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periodontist's office and the general dentist's office.
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A periodontal examination includes:
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Medical and dental histories Radiographic evaluations Examination of the teeth Examination of the oral tissues Supporting structures Periodontal charting
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What information is included in periodontal charting
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Pocket readings Furcations Tooth mobility Exudate (pus) Gingival recession.
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Commonly accepted notations that are made to the patients chart to indicate the condition, position, and restorative history of individual teeth.
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Periodontal charting
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Dentist with advanced education in the specialty of periodontics.
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Periodontist
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Systemic diseases that may influence periodontal treatment.
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AIDS, HIV, & diabetes can lower resistance of the tissue to infection. Lowered resistance makes periodontal disease more severe and more difficult to treat.
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Because of the cushioning effect of the periodontal membranes teeth normally have a slight amount of
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Mobility
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Tooth movement
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Mobility
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________ ________can be an important sign of periodontal disease.
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Excessive mobility
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The dental history is used to gather information about conditions that could indicate periodontal disease. For example, patients with periodontal disease often complain of
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Bleeding gums, loose teeth, or a bad taste in the mouth.
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Periodontal charting includes
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Evidence of exudate (pus) Periodontal pocket readings Furcations (area between 2 or more root branches) Tooth mobility Gingival recession
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Mobility is detected with the
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Blunt ends of two instruments.
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Examination of the Oral Tissues and Supporting Structures. The periodontal examination includes:
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Assessment of the amounts of plaque and calculus Changes in gingival health and bleeding Assessment of the level of bone Detection of periodontal pockets
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A periodontal pocket results when the gingival sulcus becomes deeper than
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normal is less than 3 mm
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The purpose of periodontal probing is to measure how much
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epithelial attachment has been lost to disease.
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The greater the depth of the periodontal pocket, the greater the loss of
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Epithelial attachment and bone and the more serious the periodontal disease.
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Periodontal pockets are very difficult, and sometimes impossible, for the patient to clean. The bacteria in the periodontal pockets will multiply and, if left untreated,
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the disease will progress until the tooth is ultimately lost.
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Dental conditions that contribute to periodontal disease
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Pathologic migration-shift in position of teeth Clenching or grinding Defective restorations or bridgework Mobility Occlusal interferences-Areas that prevent the teeth from occluding properly
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These interference's do not directly cause periodontal disease but can contribute to
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Mobility, migration, and temporomandibular joint pain
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The primary cause of gingival inflammation and most other forms of periodontal disease
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Plaque
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Calculus adheres to the surface of
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Natural teeth, crowns, bridges, and dentures
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This is a contributing factor to periodontal disease because it is always covered with plaque
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Calculus
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Gingival recession levels can be visualized on the chart by drawing a
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Dotted or colored line to indicate the gingival margin
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Used to locate and measure the depth of periodontal pockets.
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Periodontal Probes
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On some types of probes, the tip is
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color-coded to make the measurements easier to read.
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The periodontal probe is tapered to fit into the gingival sulcus and has a
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blunt or rounded tip.
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How many pocket depth measurements are taken and recorded for each tooth.
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Six measurements
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The millimeter measurement indicates the distance from the
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Gingival margin to the base of the pocket.
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How many probing depths are taken for each tooth.
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Six
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These types of bitewings are excellent to see bone loss levels
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Vertical
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The benefit of taking bite-wings vertically instead of horizontally is that the bone height along the root surface can be
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accurately depicted.
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Early signs of periodontal disease
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Changes in the gingiva (color, size, shape, texture) Gingival inflammation Gingival bleeding Evidence of exudates Developments of periodontal pockets
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Method of scoring the amount of bleeding present
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Bleeding index
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Severity of gingival inflammation is measured by the
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Amount of bleeding observed during probing
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Addition of natural or synthetic bone to a surgical site
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Bone augmentation
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Instrument used to remove supragingival calculus in the contact area of anterior teeth. The blade on this instrument is curved slightly to adapt to the tooth surfaces
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chisel scaler
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Surgical procedure to expose more tooth surface
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Crown lengthening
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Surgical instrument used to remove tissue from the tooth socket;
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Curette; also curet
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2 methods used to access bone level
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Radiographs and probing measurments
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Assessment of bone level may be visualized on the chart of
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Drawing a colored line to indicate the bone level
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What do the radiographs show with regard to periodontal examination
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1. Detect interproximal bone loss 2. Show changes in the bone as periodontitis progresses 3. Locates furcation involvements 4. Measures the crown to root ratio- length of the clinical crown as compared to the length of the root to the tooth 5. Shows signs of traumatic occlusion
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The severity of gingival inflammation can be measured by
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The bleeding index or the amount of bleeding observed during probing
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Healthy gingiva does not
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Bleed
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Abnormal occlusal relationships of the teeth causing injury to the periodontium
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Occlusal trauma
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A procedure that adjusts the patients bite so that occlusal forces are equally distributed over all the teeth
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Occlusal adjustment or occlusal equilibration
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Instruments used to adjust occlusion
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Articulating paper, occlusal wax, stones, and burs
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Occlusal trauma does not cause
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Periodontal pocket formation
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Occlusal trauma can cause
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Tooth mobility Destruction of bone Migration of teeth TMJ pain
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A valuable aid for evaluating periodontal disease
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Radiographs
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Whats the depth of a normal sulcus
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3 mm or less
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What units of measurement are used on the periodontal probe
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Millimeters (mm)
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Periodontal therapy requires the use of specialized instruments to
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Remove calculus Smooth root surfaces Measure periodontal pockets Perform periodontal surgery
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This person takes responsibility for maintaining the sharpness of the instruments
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In general, the dentist or registered dental hygienist who uses these instruments
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Used to measure horizontal and vertical pocket depths of multirooted teeth in furcation areas
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Furcation probe
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Surgical removal of diseased gingival tissues
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Gingivectomy
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Surgical reshaping and contouring of gingival tissues
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Gingivoplasty
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Currette with one cutting edge "area specific", it is designed to adapt to specific tooth surfaces (mesial or distal).
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Gracey curette
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Type of scaler used to remove heavy supragingival calculus; it is most effective when used on buccal and lingual surfaces of the posterior teeth
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Hoe scaler
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Highly concentrated beam of light; acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
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Laser
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Knife with a spearlike shape and cutting edges on both sides of the blade; it is used to remove tissue from the inter-dental areas
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Orban knife
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Fine, thin instrument that is easily adapted around root surfaces used to locate deposits of calculus
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Periodontal explorer
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Double ended knife with kidney-sharped blades; commonly used in periodontal surgery
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Kirkland knife
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Used to locate deposits of calculus that may be supragingival and subgingival and provide tactile information to the operator about the roughness or smoothness of the root surfaces.
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Periodontal explorers
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This instrument used in periodontics is longer and more curved than those used for caries detection.
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Periodontal explorer
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The working ends of _____ ______ are thin, fine, and easily adapted around root surfaces. They also are long enough to be capable of reaching to the bases of deep pockets and furcations.
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periodontal explorers
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The point at which the roots of a multirooted tooth diverge
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Furcation
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Used primarily to remove large deposits of supragingival calculus.
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Sickle scalers
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Used to remove supragingival calculus in the contact area of anterior teeth. The blade on the chisel scaler is curved slightly to adapt to the tooth surfaces.
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Chisel scalers
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Used to remove heavy supragingival calculus and are most effective when used on the buccal and lingual surfaces of the posterior teeth.
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Hoe scalers
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Used to crush or fracture extremely heavy calculus
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Files
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T/F The chisel, hoe and files are used less frequently than scalers or curettes in periodontal procedures
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True
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Used to remove subgingival calculus, smooth rough root surfaces (root planing), and remove the diseased soft-tissue lining of the periodontal pocket (soft-tissue curettage).
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Curettes
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Has a rounded end, unlike a scaler, which has a pointed end.
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A curette
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There are two basic designs of curettes:
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Universal - adapts to all surfaces - two cutting edges Gracey - one cutting edge for a specific area
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Instrument that adapts to all surfaces and has two cutting edges
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Universal curette
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This instrument has one cutting edge for a specific area
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Gracey curette
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Designed so that one instrument can be used on all tooth surfaces.
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Universal curettes
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There are two cutting edges, one on each side of the blade. and they resemble the spoon excavators used in restorative dentistry.
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Universal curettes
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Have only one cutting edge and are area-specific; this means that they are designed for use on specific tooth surfaces (mesial or distal).
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Gracey curettes
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One of the most commonly used knives in periodontal surgery. These instruments are usually double-ended, with kidney-shaped blades.
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The Kirkland knife
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Used to remove tissue from the interdental areas. These knives are shaped like spears and have cutting edges on both sides of their blades.
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The Orban knife
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Similar in appearance to cotton pliers; however, one tip is smooth and straight and the other is sharp and bent at a right angle. The smooth tip of this instrument is inserted at the base of the pocket, and when the instrument is pressed together the sharp tip makes small perforations in the gingivae. These perforations, which are referred to as bleeding points, are used to outline the area for an incision on the gingivae.
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Pocket markers are
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Used to make pinpoint perforations that indicate the line for a surgical incision.
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The periodontal pocket marker
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What instruments are used to remove calculus from supragingival surfaces
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Sickle scalers, chisel scalers, hoe scalers
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What instruments are used to remove calculus from subgingival surfaces
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Curettes
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Purpose of explorers in periodontal treatment
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To locate deposits of calculus that may be supragingival or subgingival
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What is the difference between a Universal curette and a Gracey curette
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Universal is designed so that one instrument is able to adapt to all tooth surfaces and have 2 cutting edges Gracey curette (area specific) is designed to adapt to specific tooth surfaces (mesial or distal) and have one cutting edge
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Allows rapid calculus removal and reduces hand fatigue for the operator.
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The ultrasonic scaler
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Works by converting very high frequency sound waves into mechanical energy in the form of very rapid vibrations to remove calculus.
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The ultrasonic scaler
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This instrument has a spray of water at the tip that prevents the buildup of heat and provides a continuous flushing of debris and bacteria from the base of the pocket.
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The ultrasonic scaler
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Because of the spray of water at the tip, there is a large amount of potentially contaminated aerosol spray. It is highly desirable for the operator of an ultrasonic scaler to
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Have the dental assistant help by using the high-volume evacuator to minimize aerosol contamination.
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Indications for Use of the Ultrasonic Scaler
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Removal of supragingival calculus and difficult stains Removal of subgingival calculus, attached plaque, and endotoxins from the root surface Cleaning of furcation areas Removal of deposits before periodontal surgery Removal of orthodontic cements; debonding Removal of overhanging margins of restorations
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Contraindications and Precautions for use of the ultrasonic scaler
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Communicable disease: A patient with a known communicable disease that can be transmitted by aerosols, such as tuberculosis, poses a risk to the operator. Immunocompromise: A compromised patient is open to infection. Respiratory problems: Materials can be aspirated into the lungs of a patient with respiratory problems. Swallowing difficulty: Problems with swallowing or a severe gag reflex makes treatment hazardous. Cardiac pacemaker: Consultation with the patient's cardiologist is necessary. The newer models of ultrasonic scalers have protective coatings.
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Oral Conditions Contraindicating Use of Ultrasonic scalers
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Demineralized areas: The ultrasonic vibrations can remove the areas of remineralization that begin to cover the demineralization. Exposed dentinal surfaces: Tooth structure can be removed, resulting in cause tooth sensitivity. Restorative materials: Some restorative materials, such as porcelain, amalgam, composite resins, and laminate veneers, can be damaged by ultrasonic vibrations. Titanium implant abutments: Unless a special plastic sheath is used to cover the tip, the ultrasonic tool will damage titanium surfaces.
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Young tissues are very sensitive to ultrasonic vibrations and therefore ultrasonic scalers are contraindicated on
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Primary and newly erupted permanent teeth.
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Advantages of hand scaling
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Excellent tactile sensitivity Greater control Area-specific designs to enhance access
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Advantages of ultrasonic scaling
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Improved healing time from lavage effect Operating field kept clean by water delivery Repetitive motions minimized with proper us Less tissue distention
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Commonly referred to as prophy or cleaning,
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Dental Prophylaxis
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The complete removal of calculus, soft deposits, plaque, and stains from all supragingival and unattached subgingival tooth surfaces.
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Dental prophylaxis
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The only members of the dental health team who are licensed to perform a dental prophylaxis
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The dentist and dental hygienist
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Indicated for patients with healthy gingiva as a preventive measure and is most commonly performed during recall appointments.
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Dental prophylaxis
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The primary treatment for gingivitis.
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Dental prophylaxis
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To remove deposits on the tooth and reduce the bio-burden within the pocket of the tooth
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Scaling and root planing are done as part of of periodontal debridement
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A local anesthetic is usually administered before these procedures.
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Scaling and root planing
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Used to remove supragingival calculus from the tooth surface.
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Scalers are
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Removal of deposits of calculus deposits from the teeth with the use of suitable instruments
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Scaling
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A hook shaped instrument that is available in various sizes and shapes and is used for the removal of tenacious supragingival deposits of calculus
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Sickle scaler
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Used to remove supragingival and subgingival calculus.
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Curettes
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Some areas on the root surface may remain rough after calculus removal. This is because the cementum has become
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Necrotic (dead) or because the scaling has produced grooves and scratches in the cementum.
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Performed after scaling procedures to remove any remaining particles of calculus and necrotic cementum embedded in the root surface. After this procedure, the surfaces of the root are smooth and are free from endotoxins(a toxin that is present inside a bacterial cell and is released when the cell disintegrates)
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Root planing
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Smooth root surfaces resist new calculus formation and are
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easier for the patient to keep clean.
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Scraping or cleaning the gingival lining of the pocket with a sharp curette to remove necrotic tissue from the pocket wall.
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Gingival curettage
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In addition to scaling and root planing some patients also require
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Gingival curettage
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Also referred to as subgingival curettage
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Gingival curettage
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An antibiotic that is particularly useful for the treatment of periodontitis, early-onset periodontitis, and rapidly destructive periodontitis.
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Tetracycline
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An important side effect of this antibiotic is its interference with the effectiveness of birth-control pills.
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Tetracycline
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Less effective against periodontal disease infections than other antibiotics because many periodontal pathogens are resistant to it.
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Penicillin
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This has been shown to reduce bleeding by delaying bacterial growth in the periodontal pockets.
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Fluoride mouth rinses
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A highly effective antimicrobial therapy available to reduce plaque and gingivitis.
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A twice-daily chlorhexidine rinse
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Can cause some temporary brown staining of the teeth, tongue, and resin restorations.
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Chlorhexidine rinse
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New methods can be used to apply antibiotics directly into the periodontal pockets. In one technique, a fiber that contains _____ is packed into periodontal pockets that have not responded to other methods. Most effective in pockets larger than 7 mm Other methods include using a _____ __ ____dissolvable materials such as a gel into the pocket. In another technique, a ______ _____that releases chlorhexidine is inserted into deep pockets.
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tetracycline syringe to insert dissolvable chip
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Non surgical periodontal treamtments
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Scaling, root planing, gingival curettage, antimicrobial and antibiotic agents, & locally delivered antibiotics
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When nonsurgical treatment is ineffective in stopping the disease process and to control the progress of periodontal destruction and loss of attachment this is done
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Periodontal surgery
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The primary advantage of periodontal surgery is that
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it allows one to gain access to the root surface by removing or lifting the gingival tissues. When root surfaces are exposed, they can be scaled and root planed more easily and thoroughly. Surgery also improves access for the patient in cleaning areas that are difficult to reach.
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Disadvantages of Periodontal Surgery
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The health status of the patient or age of the patient, as well as limitations of the procedures. From the patient's point of view, the disadvantages of surgery usually include time, cost, aesthetics, and discomfort. The dental assistant usually has developed a good rapport with the patient and is in a unique position to discuss these concerns with the patient.
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From the patient's point of view, the disadvantages of periodontal surgery usually include
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Time, cost, aesthetics, and discomfort.
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The amount of bone remaining around a tooth is an important consideration in the decision to perform periodontal surgery. When there is a large amount of bone around a tooth, the dentist may take a wait-and-see approach, postponing or avoiding periodontal surgery. When this approach is taken, it is important for the patient to practice excellent home care and routine dental care. If the amount of bone is already reduced, delaying the surgery may
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drastically lessen the chance of saving the tooth.
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2 common types of excisional surgery
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Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty
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Type of surgery that removes the excess tissue
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Excisional surgery
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This surgery is used to remove the excess tissue. It is the most rapid means of reducing periodontal pockets.
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Excisional surgery
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When some bone is present, it may be safe to
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Postpone surgery and take a wait-and-see approach
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An additional bone loss of ____ may not alter the prognosis of the tooth.
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2 mm
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When half of the bone has been lost, an additional ____can seriously jeopardize the tooth; therefore surgery is highly recommended.
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2-mm loss
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With advanced bone loss, surgery may be performed in an effort to save the tooth, but
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the prognosis is poor.
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The presence of deep periodontal pockets with fibrous tissue is the main indication for both ______ & ______. Often both procedures are performed
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Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty. Simultaneously.
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During gingivoplasty, the gingivae are recontoured with the use of Gingival margins are thinned and given scalloped edges.
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periodontal knives rotary diamond burs curettes surgical scissors.
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Also known as periodontal flap surgery or simply flap surgery is performed when excisional surgery is not indicated.
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Incisional surgery
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In ____ ______ the tissues are not removed but are pushed away from underlying tooth roots and alveolar bone.
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Flap surgery
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With flap surgery the dentist may perform:
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Thorough scaling and root planing of exposed root surfaces Moving the flap laterally to cover root surfaces of an adjacent tooth Recontouring of underlying bone
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This procedure involves making bleeding points with pocket markers and removing gingival tissue with periodontal knives and scissors
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Gingivectomy
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Periodontal surgery that involves modification of the supporting bone.
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Osseous surgery
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Periodontitis is a disease that involves the loss of
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Connective tissue and alveolar bone
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This surgery is performed to eliminate pockets, remove defects, and to restore normal contours in the bone.
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Osseous surgery
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2 Types of periodontal surgeries that involve bone include
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Osteoplasty and ostectomy
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Each one requires surgical exposure of the bone, followed by recontouring with the use of a rotary diamond bur or a bone chisel.
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Osteoplasty and ostectomy
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During a gingivectomy or gingivoplasty this indicates the pocket depth and the point for the initial incision
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Bleeding points
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Another term for additive bone surgery where bone is contoured and reshaped.
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Osteoplasty
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Bone may be added, either through bone grafting (taking bone from one area and placing it in another) or placement of artificial bone substitute materials through a procedure called bone augmentation This procedure is useful in some patients with bone defects caused by periodontal disease.
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Osteoplasty or additive bone surgery
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Addition of natural or synthetic bone to a surgical site
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Bone augmentation
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In ____ , or ______, bone is removed.
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ostectomy subtractive surgery
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This procedure is necessary when the patient has large exostoses (bony growths). For example, ______is performed if a patient needs a denture and the bony growth would interfere with the comfort and fit of the denture.
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ostectomy
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Another word for exostoses
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Bony growths
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A surgical procedure that is designed to expose more tooth structure for the placement of a restoration such as a crown.
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Crown Lengthening
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This becoming a very common procedure for esthetic anterior restorations and may involve the removal of soft tissue and alveolar bone.
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Surgical crown lengthening
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In addition to esthetics, indications for crown lengthening include:
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A tooth that is fractured close to the gingival margin or alveolar crest Subgingival caries
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Used to move gingivae from an adjacent tooth or edentulous area to a recipient site on another tooth
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Pedicle graft
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The pedicle graft is "freed" on three sides but remains attached on one side and retains its.
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Blood supply
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Best for a single site recession area for root coverage and increasing the amount of attached gingivae
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Pedicle graft
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This graft has a donor site that is located away from the grafted site The blood supply is not attached to the graft and depends on the recipient site.
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Free gingival soft tissue graft
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After periodontal surgery, the periodontist will most likely prescribe an _____ and possibly an_____ . Many periodontists recommend the use of an _____ ____ twice a day to help with plaque control. A ______ mouthwash may also be used during the first week to freshen the mouth and inhibit plaque formation during the early stages of healing. Postoperative instructions should be given to the patient to ease _____ &____ ____.
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analgesic antibiotic antibacterial rinse chlorhexidine discomfort and promote healing.
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This is much like a bandage over the surgical site.
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A periodontal surgical dressing
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Periodontal dressings are also known as
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periopacks
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Periodontal dressings are also known as periopacks and are used for
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Hold the flaps in place Protect the newly forming tissues Minimize postoperative pain, infection, and hemorrhage Protect the surgical site from trauma during eating and drinking Support mobile teeth during the healing process
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A variety of materials for periodontal dressings are on the market. The most commonly used materials are:
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Zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) dressing and those made without eugenol.
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The ZOE dressing is supplied as a ____ and a ____ that are mixed before use.
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Powder Liquid
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Some patients are allergic to the eugenol and will experience
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Redness and burning pain in the area of the dressing.
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The most widely used type of periodontal dressing
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Noneugenol dressing
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This material may be mixed ahead of time, wrapped in waxed paper, and frozen for future use.
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ZOE Dressing
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_____ has a slow set time, which allows for a longer working time.
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ZOE
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_____sets to a firm, heavy consistency and provides good support and protection for tissues and flaps.
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ZOE
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It is supplied in two tubes: one of base material and the other of the accelerator. It is easy to mix and place and has a smooth surface for patient comfort. It has a rapid setting time if exposed to warm temperatures. It cannot be mixed in advance and stored.
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Noneugenol dressing
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What is the function of a periodontal surgical dressing?
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Serves as a bandage over the surgical site
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What materials are most commonly used in periodontal dressings?
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ZOE dressing & Noneugenol dressing
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To enhance the patient's esthetic appearance, the teeth and tissues must appear
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natural and healthy.
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The relationship between periodontal health and the restoration of teeth is
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critical.
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For restorations to be functional and esthetic, the periodontium must be healthy. For the periodontium to remain healthy, restorations must be properly
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designed and placed.
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This is used to correct defects in the shape, position, or amount of gingival tissue.
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Periodontal plastic surgery procedures
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The term laser is an acronym for
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light amplification by simulated emission of radiation.
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a highly concentrated beam of light.
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A laser beam
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The power of this beam can be adjusted to enable it to cut, vaporize, or cauterize tissue.
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A laser beam
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The use of ____is a promising new technology in dentistry. Research that may lead to more widespread uses of ___ in clinical dentistry continues.
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lasers lasers
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Periodontal applications of lasers on soft tissue include the following:
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Removal of tumors and lesions Vaporization of excess tissues, as in gingivoplasty, gingivectomy, and frenectomy Removal of or reduction in hyperplastic tissues Control of the bleeding of vascular lesions
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Advantages of Laser Surgery over Conventional Surgery
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Laser incisions heal faster than incisions made with electrosurgery. Hemostasis (control of bleeding) is rapid. The surgical field is relatively dry. The opportunity for bloodborne contamination is reduced. There is less trauma to adjacent tissues. There is less postsurgical swelling, scarring, and pain. Some procedures can be performed more quickly. Patients who are afraid of "surgery" may accept this method.
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Guidelines for Laser Safety include the following protective devices and measures Precautions must be taken to protect both the patient and dental staff during laser procedures.
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Shielded eyeglasses: To protect the eyes, the dental staff and the patient must wear special shielded eyeglasses. Matte-finished instruments: Reflective surfaces such as instruments, mirrors, and even polished restorations can reflect laser energy. Protection of nontarget tissues: Nontarget oral tissue (tissues not being treated with the laser) should be shielded with the use of wet gauze packs. High-volume evacuation: High-volume evacuation should be used to draw off the plume (cloud) created when tissue vaporizes. This plume should be considered infectious.
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What type of instruments are recommended with laser surgery to avoid reflection
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Matte-finished instruments
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To prevent injury to the eyes of persons who are not wearing special light-filter glasses, _____ _____ must be posted in areas where lasers are used.
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warning signs
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Any person who operates a laser or assists during a laser operation must be thoroughly
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trained in the use of this powerful instrument.
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Patient instructions after periodontal surgery
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1. Limit activities for the next few days 2. Do not rinse for 24 hours 3. Slight bleeding may occur for 4-5 hours after operation 4. Some discomfort is expected when anesthesia wears off 5. Limit yourself to a soft diet immediately after surgery 6. Avoid chewing in the area of surgery 7. Do not drink hot beverages the first day 8. Avoid seasoned or spicy foods as they may irritate 9. Dressing material placed around teeth will become hard within about 2 hours and should not be disturbed 10. Swelling is expected after some procedures. You can use an icepack 15 minutes on 15 minutes off 11. No smoking 12. May brush top of surgical dressing with a soft toothbrush