ADEX Dental Hygiene Periodontal Instrumentation and Care Questions and Answers

Question 1

A dental hygienist is performing periodontal debridement on the facial aspect of tooth #30.
To effectively remove a tenacious, sheet-like piece of subgingival calculus, which type of instrumentation stroke is most appropriate to initiate the removal process?

Accepted Answer

A series of short, overlapping, horizontal strokes starting from the side edge of the deposit.

Answer

A single, long, continuous vertical stroke from the base of the pocket coronally.

Answer

A light, sweeping oblique stroke across the entire deposit to smooth it.

Answer

A push stroke directed apically to dislodge the calculus from the root surface.

Question 2

When using a Gracey curette for subgingival calculus removal, what is the ideal angulation between the face of the blade and the tooth surface?

Accepted Answer

Greater than 45 but less than 90 degrees

Answer

45 degrees

Answer

90 degrees

Answer

0 degrees

Question 3

A patient with a history of a cardiac pacemaker presents for their routine periodontal maintenance appointment. Which of the following instruments is generally contraindicated for this patient without a medical consultation?

Accepted Answer

Magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler

Answer

Piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler

Answer

Titanium implant scaler

Answer

Hand-held sickle scaler

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes the primary goal of periodontal debridement, distinguishing it from traditional scaling and root planing?

Accepted Answer

Disruption and removal of biofilm and calculus while conserving cementum.

Answer

Intentional removal of all cementum to create a glass-like root surface.

Answer

Removal of only supragingival calculus deposits.

Answer

Removal of the soft tissue lining of the periodontal pocket.

Question 5

During instrumentation, a hygienist is using a modified pen grasp. The middle finger's primary role in this grasp is to:

Accepted Answer

Rest lightly on the shank to guide the working-end and feel vibrations.

Answer

Roll the instrument handle for adaptation.

Answer

Provide the main source of lateral pressure against the tooth.

Answer

Stabilize the hand by resting on a nearby tooth surface.

Question 6

A clinician is sharpening a Gracey 1/2 curette using a stationary flat stone and moving the instrument. To maintain the original design of the blade, the relationship between the face of the curette and the surface of the sharpening stone should be:

Accepted Answer

100-110 degrees

Answer

90 degrees

Answer

Parallel, with the face tilted slightly away from the stone

Answer

45 degrees