Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
1. Which of the following design characteristics is not true of a periodontal file?
A. Rigid shank
B. Strong working-end
C. Two cutting edges per working-end
D. Working-end that is thin in width
Answer: C
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
2. A set of periodontal files is needed to instrument the dentition with heavy calculus deposits. A
periodontal file is used with a push stroke directed toward the junctional epithelium.
A. Both statements are true.
B. Both statements are false.
C. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
D. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
Answer: C
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
3. Inserting a periodontal file until the working-end touches the junctional epithelium would
result in _____.
A. trauma to the junctional epithelium
Copyright © 2016 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 20-1
,B. complete calculus removal
C. gouging of the cementum
D. glassy smooth root surfaces
Answer: A
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
4. Kirk is having difficulty removing a large ledge of calculus located 7 mm beneath the gingival
margin on a molar tooth. He is using a rigid Gracey curet. Which of the following instruments
might be helpful in removing the calculus ledge?
A. Posterior sickle scaler
B. Universal curet
C. Periodontal file
D. Either universal curet or periodontal file
Answer: C
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
5. When using a periodontal file, a pull stroke is activated in a vertical direction. The
instrumentation stroke with a periodontal file is most effective when consistent pressure is
applied throughout the entire stroke.
A. Both statements are true.
B. Both statements are false.
C. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
D. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
Answer: A
Copyright © 2016 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 20-2
, Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
6. After inserting a periodontal file beneath the gingival margin, how should the instrument be
adapted?
A. The working-end is adapted to the calculus deposit.
B. The lower shank rests against the tooth root.
C. The corners of the cutting edges should be adapted to the tooth surface.
D. The working-end is adapted to the calculus deposit and the lower shank rests against the tooth
root.
Answer: D
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
7. Blair is using a periodontal file subgingivally on the facial surface of a molar. She is working
6 mm beneath the gingival margin. What is the most likely goal of using the file in this area?
A. Crushing a large calculus deposit
B. Smoothing the roots in this area
C. Removal of small-sized subgingival calculus deposits
D. Locating the calculus deposits in this area
Answer: A
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
8. Blair is using a periodontal file 6 mm below the gingival margin. Once Blair is finished using
the periodontal file on the molar, what should she do next?
A. Evaluate with an explorer to see if the deposit has been completely removed
B. Use a sickle scaler
Copyright © 2016 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 20-3
1. Which of the following design characteristics is not true of a periodontal file?
A. Rigid shank
B. Strong working-end
C. Two cutting edges per working-end
D. Working-end that is thin in width
Answer: C
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
2. A set of periodontal files is needed to instrument the dentition with heavy calculus deposits. A
periodontal file is used with a push stroke directed toward the junctional epithelium.
A. Both statements are true.
B. Both statements are false.
C. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
D. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
Answer: C
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
3. Inserting a periodontal file until the working-end touches the junctional epithelium would
result in _____.
A. trauma to the junctional epithelium
Copyright © 2016 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 20-1
,B. complete calculus removal
C. gouging of the cementum
D. glassy smooth root surfaces
Answer: A
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
4. Kirk is having difficulty removing a large ledge of calculus located 7 mm beneath the gingival
margin on a molar tooth. He is using a rigid Gracey curet. Which of the following instruments
might be helpful in removing the calculus ledge?
A. Posterior sickle scaler
B. Universal curet
C. Periodontal file
D. Either universal curet or periodontal file
Answer: C
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
5. When using a periodontal file, a pull stroke is activated in a vertical direction. The
instrumentation stroke with a periodontal file is most effective when consistent pressure is
applied throughout the entire stroke.
A. Both statements are true.
B. Both statements are false.
C. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
D. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
Answer: A
Copyright © 2016 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 20-2
, Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
6. After inserting a periodontal file beneath the gingival margin, how should the instrument be
adapted?
A. The working-end is adapted to the calculus deposit.
B. The lower shank rests against the tooth root.
C. The corners of the cutting edges should be adapted to the tooth surface.
D. The working-end is adapted to the calculus deposit and the lower shank rests against the tooth
root.
Answer: D
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
7. Blair is using a periodontal file subgingivally on the facial surface of a molar. She is working
6 mm beneath the gingival margin. What is the most likely goal of using the file in this area?
A. Crushing a large calculus deposit
B. Smoothing the roots in this area
C. Removal of small-sized subgingival calculus deposits
D. Locating the calculus deposits in this area
Answer: A
Subject: Module 20: Specialized Periodontal Instruments
8. Blair is using a periodontal file 6 mm below the gingival margin. Once Blair is finished using
the periodontal file on the molar, what should she do next?
A. Evaluate with an explorer to see if the deposit has been completely removed
B. Use a sickle scaler
Copyright © 2016 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 20-3
