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Periodontics · single question

All of the following are indicators used for the diagnosis of periodontitis EXCEPT:

  1. Gingival inflammation
  2. Presence of calculus
  3. Clinical attachment loss (CAL)
  4. Pocket depth
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Correct answer: B. Presence of calculus

  • A. Gingival inflammation (bleeding on probing) is an indicator of active inflammation and is part of periodontal diagnosis.
  • B. Correct. Calculus is a risk factor and local factor associated with periodontitis (retains plaque), but calculus ITSELF is not a diagnostic indicator of periodontitis. CAL, radiographic bone loss, and bleeding on probing are the diagnostic criteria.
  • C. Clinical attachment loss (CAL) is the PRIMARY indicator of periodontitis — it measures the apical migration of the junctional epithelium.
  • D. Pocket depth ≥4mm with CAL helps stage periodontitis severity.

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