Dental Calculus Flashcards Preview

AU 15 - Periodontology > Dental Calculus > Flashcards

Flashcards in Dental Calculus Deck (16)
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1
Q

Does calculus cause disease?

A

Not directly.
It has a rough surface, so plaque ends up on that.
The bacteria on that plaque cause disease

2
Q

Dental Calculus definition

A

Mineralized plaque that forms on the surfaces of natural teeth and dental prosthetics

3
Q

What are the two types of dental calculus?

A

Supragingival

Subgingival

4
Q

Supragingival calculus

A

Coronal to gingival margin
White/whiteish-yellow
Clay-like consistency
Easily detached from tooth surface

5
Q

Where is supragingival calculus classically found?

A

Opposite the salivary ducts

  • Buccal of max. molars
  • Lingual of man. incisors
6
Q

Subgingival calculus

A

Below the gingival margin
Hard, dense
Dark colored
Extends to the base of the pocket, but does not reach it
With gingival recession, subgingival becomes supragingival

7
Q

How can you detect dental calculus?

A

Tactile exploration (11/12 explorer)
Dental radiographs (‘spur’ appearance)
A blast of air to open the gingival margin
Color of the overlying gingiva

8
Q

T/F - Calculus represents a secondary product of infection and not a primary cause of periodontitis

A

True

9
Q

How does dental calculus attach to the tooth?

A

Pellicle calcifies and attaches to the cementum, dentin, or enamel

10
Q

How does dental calculus penetrate a tooth?

A

It penetrates through surface irregularities

  • caries
  • exposed root cementum
  • previous insertions points of Sharpey’s fiers that were lost due to attachment loss
  • root reabsorption
11
Q

What are the different forms of Calcium Phosphate?

A

Brushite
Octacalcium phosphate (OOP)
Hydroxyapatite (HA)
Whitlockite (W)

12
Q

Brushite

A

CaH(PO4)x2H2O
Basis for supragingival calculus formation
Seen in recent (

13
Q

Octacalcium phosphate

A

Ca4H(PO4)3x2H20
Predominant in exterior layers (newer layers) of calculus
Forms platelet like crystals

14
Q

Hydroxyapatite

A

Ca5H(PO4)3xOH
The most predominant form of calcium phosphate
Predominant in inner layers of older calculus
Forms rods or sand-grain like crystals

15
Q

Whitlockite

A

B-Ca3(PO4)2
Most common form of subgingival calculus
Hexagonal crystals

16
Q

What are the clinical implications of calculus?

A

Impedes oral hygiene measures
Keeps plaque in close proximity to soft tissues
The main reason to remove it is because of its plaque retentive features