Periodontology and the aetiology, assessment and management of periodontal diseases
What this domain tests
Periodontology questions test your understanding of biofilm-driven disease, the 2017 classification, risk assessment, and non-surgical care.
Core rules
- Gingivitis is reversible inflammation confined to the gingiva; periodontitis involves clinical attachment loss and bone loss.
- Record probing depths, recession, CAL, bleeding on probing, plaque, mobility and furcation involvement.
- The 2017 World Workshop classifies periodontitis by stage (severity and complexity) and grade (progression risk). Smoking and diabetes affect grade.
- Biofilm is the primary cause; calculus is a retentive factor. Risk factors include smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, and medication-related dry mouth.
- Non-surgical periodontal therapy includes oral hygiene instruction, scaling and root debridement, and re-evaluation. Antibiotics are not a substitute for debridement.
Worked example
A patient has CAL 5 mm, probing depths 7 mm, BOP 70%, smokes 15/day and has HbA1c 8.5%. This suggests stage III (CAL at least 5 mm, PD at least 6 mm) and grade C (heavy smoking plus poor glycaemic control). Plan debridement, smoking cessation support, medical review, and re-evaluate.
Traps
Diagnosing periodontitis from plaque scores alone; ignoring CAL and recession; prescribing antibiotics routinely; failing to re-evaluate before deciding on referral.