Periodontology I: Main Exam, 11 December 2018

Mount Kenya University · Department of Dental Sciences · Diploma in Community Oral Health · BDS3209

Periodontology I (BDS3209) Mount Kenya University 2018-2019 past paper with model answers, covering periodontium functions, plaque, disease, systemic links, diagnosis, tr

Instructions: ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN SECTION A

1.

  1. a) Outline the functions of the periodontium.
    Model answer
    • Support: alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, gingiva.
    • Protection: shields tooth root from mechanical and bacterial insults.
    • Attachment: maintains tooth position and stability.
    • Sensory: periodontal ligament fibres transmit proprioceptive signals.
    • Immune defence: local immune cells and antimicrobial peptides in gingival crevicular fluid.
  2. b) Briefly discuss local plaque retentive factors.
  3. c) Outline the differences between normal and diseased periodontium.
  4. d) Briefly describe the formation and composition of dental plaque.
    Model answer
    • Formation: bacterial colonisation of enamel → biofilm maturation.
    • Composition: extracellular polysaccharide matrix, bacterial cells, host proteins, water.
    • Stages: initial adhesion, irreversible attachment, maturation, plaque accumulation.
  5. e) Enumerate factors influencing the distribution of periodontal disease.

Section B

2. In details discuss the role of systemic diseases in the etiology of periodontal disease. (20 marks)

3. Discuss clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment planning and management of chronic periodontitis. (20 marks)

Model answer
  • Clinical presentation: bleeding on probing, pocket depth >4 mm, clinical attachment loss, recession, tooth mobility, halitosis. - Diagnosis: full mouth periodontal charting, radiographs, probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding index, plaque index. - Treatment planning: non‑surgical therapy (scaling & root planing, oral hygiene instruction), surgical options (flap surgery, bone grafts) if indicated, maintenance schedule. - Management: regular recall visits, professional cleaning, adjunctive antimicrobials if needed, patient education, smoking cessation, systemic disease control.

4. Discuss methods that can be used to give Oral Education on periodontal disease. (20 marks)

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