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Periodontics Flashcards

7 cards from real NBDE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. In guided tissue regeneration (GTR), the membrane barrier functions primarily to:

    Answer: Exclude epithelial and gingival connective tissue cells from the root surface

    GTR membranes create a secluded space that prevents fast-migrating epithelial and connective tissue cells from occupying the defect, allowing slower PDL and bone cells to repopulate.

  2. A patient presents with painful erythematous gingiva, interdental necrosis, and a punched-out papilla appearance. The most likely diagnosis is:

    Answer: Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG)

    NUG is characterized by the classic triad of pain, interdental necrosis/pseudomembrane, and fetid odor, with punched-out papillae being pathognomonic.

  3. Which bone morphology is most favorable for periodontal regeneration using GTR or bone grafts?

    Answer: Narrow three-wall infrabony defect

    Three-wall infrabony defects have the most surrounding bone walls to provide cellular progenitors and structural containment for the graft, yielding the best regenerative outcomes.

  4. The primary blood supply to the free gingival graft recipient site derives from which source during initial healing (0–3 days)?

    Answer: Plasmatic diffusion from the recipient bed

    During the first 1–3 days (avascular phase), the graft survives by absorbing plasma directly from the recipient bed via diffusion.

  5. Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) promotes periodontal regeneration primarily by mimicking which developmental process?

    Answer: Hertwig's epithelial root sheath signaling during cementogenesis

    Emdogain (amelogenin proteins) recapitulates root development signals from Hertwig's root sheath to promote acellular cementum and PDL regeneration.

  6. Which of the following findings on a periapical radiograph is MOST consistent with aggressive periodontitis affecting the first molar?

    Answer: Arc-shaped (saucer-shaped) bone loss around the first molar

    Localized aggressive periodontitis classically shows vertical arc-shaped bone loss in an 'arcuate' pattern around first molars and incisors.

  7. A connective tissue graft (subepithelial connective tissue graft) is preferred over a free gingival graft for root coverage because it:

    Answer: Offers better esthetics due to color matching with recipient tissue

    The connective tissue graft is covered by the recipient's own epithelium, resulting in superior color and texture match compared to the free gingival graft.