Periodontics Practice Questions
Periodontics is consistently one of the highest-yield clinical branches on dental board exams. This set covers periodontal anatomy and biology, aetiology and pathogenesis, the 2017 classification with staging and grading, gingival enlargement, necrotising periodontal diseases, abscesses and endo-perio lesions, non-surgical and surgical therapy, peri-implant disease, and periodontal-systemic interactions. On the AFK, INBDE, ORE and ADC, expect to stage and grade a case from clinical attachment loss, bone loss and risk factors, to choose between non-surgical and surgical treatment, and to link periodontal disease to diabetes and smoking.
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Questions
Question 1 of 10
Etiology & Pathogenesis
Which systemic condition is most strongly associated with an increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis?
The answer is A.
Diabetes mellitus is the systemic condition most strongly associated with increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis, reflecting a well-established bidirectional relationship.
Question 2 of 10
Periodontal-Systemic Interactions
How can persistent hyperglycemia adversely affect periodontal tissues?
The answer is A.
Hyperglycemia promotes advanced glycation, oxidative stress, dysregulated inflammatory responses, impaired neutrophil function, vascular change, altered collagen metabolism, and delayed healing. These mechanisms can increase periodontal destruction. It does not sterilize plaque or guarantee regeneration.
Question 3 of 10
Gingival Enlargement
What role does dental plaque play in drug-associated gingival enlargement?
The answer is C.
Drug susceptibility involves altered fibroblast and matrix responses, while plaque-induced inflammation often increases the extent and clinical severity. Effective daily and professional plaque control is therefore a first-line measure even when medication cannot change. The prescriber, not the dental team alone, manages drug substitution.
Question 4 of 10
Non-Surgical Therapy
The primary objective of Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) in non-surgical periodontal therapy is best described as which of the following?
The answer is D.
SRP aims to mechanically disrupt and remove the subgingival biofilm, calculus, and endotoxin-contaminated cementum, creating a biologically clean root surface that allows healing and reattachment of periodontal tissues.
Question 5 of 10
Periodontal Anatomy & Biology
Which of the following best characterizes the appearance of healthy gingiva in a patient with a lighter Fitzpatrick skin phototype?
The answer is D.
Clinically healthy gingiva in lighter-complexioned individuals appears pale pink (coral pink), firm and stippled (orange-peel texture due to connective tissue projections), with a knife-edge free gingival margin and no BOP. Deep red or magenta indicates inflammation with increased vascularity.
Question 6 of 10
Surgical Periodontics
What is a functional indication for surgical crown lengthening?
The answer is B.
Functional crown lengthening may expose sound tooth structure for caries removal, margin placement, retention, or ferrule while respecting supracrestal tissue attachment. It can involve soft tissue and bone depending on anatomy. Root coverage shortens the clinical crown, while surgery cannot regenerate lost coronal enamel.
Question 7 of 10
Periodontal Abscess & Endo-Perio Lesions
How does pulp sensibility commonly differ in a periodontal abscess and a primary apical abscess?
The answer is B.
A periodontal abscess often occurs beside a vital pulp, whereas a primary endodontic apical abscess usually follows pulp necrosis. Sensibility tests are interpreted with history, probing, percussion, imaging, restorations, and controls because false responses occur and advanced combined lesions can alter pulpal status.
Question 8 of 10
Classification & Diagnosis
A patient has a gingival margin located 2 mm coronal to the CEJ and a probing depth of 5 mm. What is the Clinical Attachment Level (CAL)?
The answer is A.
When the gingival margin is CORONAL to the CEJ (as in gingival swelling/hyperplasia), CAL = PD − (GM to CEJ distance). Here: 5 − 2 = 3 mm. CAL equals PD only when the gingival margin is exactly at the CEJ. CAL = PD + recession applies when the margin is APICAL to the CEJ.
Question 9 of 10
Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases
What is the characteristic clinical term used to describe the pathognomonic, distinct fetid breath odor observed in patients with necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis?
The answer is B.
Foetor ex ore is the specific clinical term for the extremely strong, putrid, and distinctive fetid odor resulting from tissue necrosis in NUG patients.
Question 10 of 10
Peri-implant Disease
Which history increases a patient's risk of peri-implantitis?
The answer is C.
A history of periodontitis and poor plaque control are important peri-implantitis risk indicators; smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and lack of maintenance can add risk. Stable health, accessible prosthetic design, and supportive care are favorable. Risk history prompts prevention and monitoring rather than proving current disease.
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