re-evaluation seminar

Question 2

Core — What is periodontal re-evaluation?

Answer 2

A systematic reassessment performed after initial (hygiene phase) periodontal therapy to determine tissue response and guide further treatment.

Question 3

Core — Why is re-evaluation essential in periodontal therapy?

Answer 3

Because treatment decisions must be based on healing response, not on baseline findings alone.

Question 4

Extra detail — What does Lindhe emphasise about re-evaluation?

Answer 4

Re-evaluation is a mandatory step linking cause-related therapy to either supportive care or further active treatment.

Question 6

Core — When should periodontal re-evaluation be performed?

Answer 6

Approximately 6–12 weeks after completion of non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Question 7

Extra detail — Why is re-evaluation not done immediately after scaling?

Answer 7

Because resolution of inflammation and tissue remodelling require time; early assessment gives misleading pocket depths.

Question 9

Core — What plaque-related factors are assessed at re-evaluation?

Answer 9

Plaque levels; oral hygiene effectiveness; patient compliance.

Question 10

Extra detail — Why is patient plaque control critical at re-evaluation?

Answer 10

Persistent plaque is the main reason for poor healing, regardless of clinician skill.

Question 11

Core — What should be done if plaque control is inadequate at re-evaluation?

Answer 11

Reinforce oral hygiene instruction and motivation before considering further therapy.

Question 13

Core — What inflammatory parameters are assessed at re-evaluation?

Answer 13

Bleeding on probing (BOP); gingival inflammation.

Question 14

Core — What does reduced bleeding on probing indicate?

Answer 14

Resolution of inflammation and a favourable response to therapy.

Question 15

Extra detail — What does persistent bleeding on probing suggest?

Answer 15

Residual biofilm, calculus, or inadequate plaque control, and increased risk of disease progression.

Question 17

Core — What pocket-related parameters are reassessed?

Answer 17

Probing pocket depth; clinical attachment level (CAL).

Question 18

Core — What pocket depth changes are expected after successful therapy?

Answer 18

Reduction in pocket depth, mainly due to resolution of inflammation and tissue shrinkage.

Question 19

Extra detail — In which sites is pocket reduction most pronounced?

Answer 19

Initially deep pockets show the greatest reduction.

Question 20

Core — What does lack of pocket reduction indicate?

Answer 20

Persistent disease, incomplete debridement, or poor plaque control.

Question 22

Core — Why are furcation areas reassessed at re-evaluation?

Answer 22

Because they are difficult to debride and often show incomplete healing.

Question 23

Extra detail — What anatomical factors may limit healing despite good therapy?

Answer 23

Furcations, root concavities, grooves, and deep intrabony defects.

Question 25

Core — What is assessed regarding calculus at re-evaluation?

Answer 25

Presence of residual subgingival calculus or rough root surfaces.

Question 26

Extra detail — Why may calculus persist after initial therapy?

Answer 26

Limited access, deep pockets, complex anatomy, or insufficient instrumentation.

Question 28

Core — Are radiographs routinely taken at re-evaluation?

Answer 28

No. Radiographs are taken only when clinically indicated.

Question 29

Extra detail — Why are radiographs not used to assess short-term healing?

Answer 29

Bone changes lag behind clinical healing and are not detectable in the short term.

Question 31

Core — What are the possible outcomes after re-evaluation?

Answer 31

Transition to supportive periodontal therapy; additional non-surgical therapy; surgical periodontal therapy.

Question 32

Core — When can a patient enter supportive periodontal therapy (SPT)?

Answer 32

When inflammation is controlled, plaque levels are low, and pockets are stable.

Question 33

Core — When is additional non-surgical therapy indicated?

Answer 33

When residual inflammation or calculus is present but access remains possible.

Question 34

Core — When is periodontal surgery considered?

Answer 34

When deep residual pockets persist and cannot be adequately managed non-surgically.

Question 36

Core — What is the role of re-evaluation in long-term maintenance?

Answer 36

It determines whether the patient can be maintained or requires further active treatment.

Question 37

Extra detail — What does Lindhe state about periodontitis without SPT?

Answer 37

Periodontitis will recur without regular supportive therapy.

Question 39

Core — Why is re-evaluation a key exam topic?

Answer 39

Because it demonstrates understanding of cause-and-effect, healing biology, and treatment planning.

Question 40

Core — What is the most common cause of treatment failure seen at re-evaluation?

Answer 40

Poor plaque control and patient non-compliance.

Question 41

Core — What principle underpins all re-evaluation decisions?

Answer 41

Treatment is guided by response to therapy, not by initial diagnosis alone.