Radiographic Periodontal Diagnosis

Periodontal disease is defined as:

• an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth

• a viral infection of the oral cavity

• a genetic disorder causing tooth loss

• a condition affecting only the tongue

The clinical manifestations of periodontal disease include:

• Bleeding gums, tooth mobility, gum recession, and bad breath

• Tooth whitening, increased saliva, and strong enamel

• Frequent headaches, blurred vision, and ear pain

• Nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough

Radiographic manifestations of periodontal disease include which of the following?

• Loss of alveolar bone height

• Increased radiopacity of the periodontal ligament space

• Thickening of the lamina dura

• Presence of impacted teeth

A radiographic examination alone is enough to diagnose periodontal disease.

• True

• False

• Sometimes

• Only in severe cases

What is an EARLY radiographic indicator of periodontal bone loss in POSTERIOR teeth.

• Curving of the alveolar crest and widened crestal PDL space

• Furcation bone loss

• Severe loss of bone height

• Loosening teeth

Which of the following is a local irritating factor that may be visualized in radiographs and increases the risk of periodontal disease?

• Calculus

• Plaque

• Gingivitis

• Gingival recession

Poorly contoured or overextended ______ can be detected by radiographs, which could be a risk factor for periodontal disease. Fill in the blank.

• restorations

• implants

• braces

• crowns

Radiographs help in assessing root length and morphology and ______-to-root ratio. Fill in the blank.

• crown

• apex

• pulp

• enamel

Open interproximal contacts, which may be sites for food impaction, can be identified using ______. Fill in the blank.

• radiographs

• explorers

• mouth mirrors

• periodontal probes

Radiographs provide information about the position of the maxillary sinus in relation to a ______ deformity. Fill in the blank.

• periodontal

• skeletal

• muscular

• dental