Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

In terms of healing, which type of junction is formed after scaling and root planing?

1. Bone regeneration

2. Long junctional epithelium

3. Fibrous tissue adhesion

4. Granulation tissue formation

The correct answer is: Long junctional epithelium

After scaling and root planing, the primary type of junction that forms is a long junctional epithelium. This is a critical aspect of periodontal healing. Scaling and root planing are procedures aimed at removing dental plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces, particularly below the gum line, to facilitate healing and reattachment of the periodontal tissues. Following this procedure, the body initiates a healing response that involves the migration of epithelial cells to the site of injury. The formation of the long junctional epithelium is significant as it helps to re-establish the attachment of the epithelial tissue to the tooth surface. This new epithelial attachment is characterized by a long junctional epithelium, which is formed from the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells. While other types of healing, such as bone regeneration or the formation of fibrous tissue, may occur in different contexts or stages of healing, they are not the direct result of scaling and root planing. Instead, the immediate outcome is the creation of a long junctional epithelium, which helps to provide better tissue health and stability after the removal of plaque and calculus.