Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

After scaling and root planing, a patient notices increased space between teeth. What is the likely reason?

1. Remaining calculus deposits

2. Decreased swelling of the gingiva

3. Tooth mobility increase

4. Changes in occlusion

The correct answer is: Decreased swelling of the gingiva

Increased space between teeth after scaling and root planing is likely due to decreased swelling of the gingiva. Scaling and root planing effectively remove plaque and calculus from the tooth surfaces and also clean out the periodontal pockets. This procedure helps to reduce gingival inflammation and swelling, commonly associated with periodontal disease. As the inflammation decreases, the gingiva shrinks back to a healthier state, which can lead to the appearance of increased space between the teeth. The reduction of swelling is a normal response to improved periodontal health, and it reflects a positive outcome of the treatment. Remaining calculus deposits would not typically cause an increase in space; instead, they may contribute to continued swelling or pocket depth. Increased tooth mobility can occur in some cases of advanced periodontal disease but does not directly relate to the perception of spacing, and changes in occlusion generally would not be a direct result of scaling and root planing in the short term.