Periodontics · single question
Subgingival calculus (tartar found below the gingival margin) appears characteristically what color?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Dark brown to black
- A. Yellow calculus is typically supragingival (salivary calculus).
- B. Green calculus does not describe typical subgingival calculus.
- C. Correct. Subgingival calculus is dark brown to black in color due to incorporation of blood pigments (hemosiderin, hematin from gingival crevicular fluid) into the calculus matrix. It is also called 'serumal calculus.' It is harder and more firmly attached to the root surface than supragingival calculus.
- D. Supragingival calculus (above the gingival margin) is white, cream, or yellow — not subgingival calculus.