Periodontics · single question
What color does subgingival calculus most characteristically appear?
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Correct answer: D. Brown
- A. Orange is not a characteristic color of calculus.
- B. Pink is not a characteristic color of calculus (it is the color of healthy gingiva).
- C. YELLOW is the characteristic color of SUPRAGINGIVAL calculus (formed from salivary components — calcium phosphate salts, mineralized dental plaque). Subgingival calculus is distinctly darker (brown/black).
- D. Subgingival calculus is typically DARK BROWN, BLACK, or green-black. This dark coloration results from incorporation of hemoglobin breakdown products (from crevicular fluid and blood), iron compounds, and chromogenic bacteria into the calculus matrix. Its dark color contrasts with supragingival calculus.