Start practicing

Periodontics · single question

What is the predominant theory of periodontal disease treatment?

  1. Minimizing the host reaction
  2. Removing calculus
  3. Increasing blood flow to gingival tissues
  4. Preventing the start of the disease
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Removing calculus

The predominant theory of periodontal disease treatment is the PLAQUE CONTROL/CALCULUS REMOVAL theory — eliminating microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) and their toxic products to allow the host's natural healing mechanisms to resolve inflammation. Scaling and root planing (SRP) to remove calculus deposits and create a clean root surface is the cornerstone of periodontal therapy. While modulating host response is important, calculus removal remains the primary treatment modality.
  • A. INCORRECT. Minimizing the host reaction (e.g., with NSAIDs or host modulation therapy) is an adjunctive approach — not the predominant theory of treatment.
  • B. CORRECT. The predominant theory of periodontal treatment is PLAQUE CONTROL — removing calculus, biofilm, and their bacterial products through scaling and root planing to allow tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
  • C. INCORRECT. Increasing blood flow is not a recognized treatment modality for periodontal disease.
  • D. INCORRECT. Primary prevention (preventing disease before it starts) is important at the population level but 'treatment' implies disease already exists.

Practice Periodontics questions Periodontics study notes

More Periodontics practice questions