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Periodontics · single question

All of the following are goals of root planing EXCEPT:

  1. Eliminating bacterial endotoxins from cementum
  2. Removing calculus from the root surface (cementum)
  3. Smoothing the root surface to reduce plaque attachment
  4. Removing calculus from the enamel surface
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Correct answer: D. Removing calculus from the enamel surface

  • A. Removing bacterial endotoxins from cementum is a key goal of root planing to allow tissue healing.
  • B. Root planing specifically targets the ROOT surface — removing calculus, contaminated cementum, and biofilm.
  • C. Smoothing the root surface reduces roughness and makes reattachment of the gingival fibers more favorable — a valid goal of root planing.
  • D. Root planing removes calculus from the CEMENTUM (root surface) — NOT from enamel. Enamel is supragingival and is addressed during scaling (prophylaxis). Removing calculus from 'enamel' is NOT a goal of root planing. ✓

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