ABE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ABE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The phenomenon of 'phoenix abscess' refers to: → An acute exacerbation of a chronic periapical lesion
2. What quality metrics are most important in Diagnostic Methods? → Measurable outcomes, process compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction
3. EDTA is used as an endodontic irrigant primarily for its ability to: → Remove the smear layer by chelating calcium from dentin
4. What role does continuing education play in Treatment Planning? → Keeping practitioners current with evolving best practices and new developments
5. Following a successful regenerative endodontic procedure, which radiographic finding would indicate a FAVORABLE outcome in an immature tooth? → Increased root length and widening of dentinal walls with periapical healing
6. What is the most important foundational concept in Treatment Planning? → Understanding core principles and their practical application in Treatment Planning
7. Which type of root resorption following tooth replantation indicates PDL cell death and direct bone-to-cementum fusion? → Replacement resorption (ankylosis)
8. In the AAE-recommended REP protocol, the second appointment (scaffold induction) should ideally be scheduled at least how long after the first appointment? → 1–4 weeks
9. What is the minimum recommended clinical follow-up period to assess the outcome of endodontic surgery? → 1 year
10. Which staining agent is used to evaluate the resected root surface for fractures and isthmi during endodontic surgery? → Methylene blue dye
11. The alpha phase of gutta-percha differs from the beta phase in that it: → Is found in the naturally occurring form in the Palaquium tree
12. What is the primary purpose of standardized procedures in Dental Anatomy and Pathology? → To ensure consistency, safety, and quality across all practitioners
13. What is the recommended minimum depth for a root-end preparation during apicoectomy? → 3 mm
14. What clinical sign indicates pulp canal obliteration (PCO) following dental trauma? → Yellow-brown crown discoloration with radiographic narrowing of the canal
15. Which local anesthetic concentration is most commonly used to achieve hemostasis during endodontic surgery? → 2% Lidocaine with 1:50,000 epinephrine
16. The solvent most commonly used to dissolve gutta-percha during retreatment is: → Chloroform
17. What is the primary function of irrigants in endodontic therapy? → To clean and disinfect the root canal system
18. The critical pH at which calcium hydroxide exerts its antimicrobial effect in the root canal is approximately: → 11.5
19. Which recent advancement in endodontic materials is designed to enhance root canal disinfection? → Use of laser-activated irrigation systems
20. What type of splint is recommended for replanted avulsed permanent teeth according to IADT guidelines? → Flexible (physiologic) splint for 2 weeks
21. Which component of gram-negative bacterial cell walls is most responsible for stimulating macrophages to release IL-1β and TNF-α in periapical tissues? → Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
22. Calcium hydroxide exerts its antimicrobial effect primarily through: → High pH causing protein denaturation and enzyme disruption
23. When mixing zinc oxide eugenol cement for an interim restoration, increasing the powder-to-liquid ratio will result in: → Shorter setting time and increased compressive strength
24. What is the primary purpose of standardized procedures in Diagnostic Methods? → To ensure consistency, safety, and quality across all practitioners
25. The primary advantage of using a fiber post over a cast metal post-and-core is: → Modulus of elasticity similar to dentin, reducing root fracture risk
26. When planning root canal therapy, which of the following is the most important factor to consider? → The tooth's anatomical complexity and root canal system
27. What is the ideal storage medium for an avulsed permanent tooth when immediate replantation is not possible? → Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) or milk
28. When should root canal treatment be initiated in a traumatized tooth diagnosed with pulp necrosis? → Promptly once pulp necrosis is diagnosed clinically and radiographically
29. Which factor MOST significantly increases effective radiation dose when using CBCT compared to conventional periapical radiography? → Larger field of view and volumetric acquisition
30. Which periodontal probing finding is MOST consistent with a vertical root fracture on a single-rooted, previously root-canal-treated tooth? → Narrow, isolated deep probing defect on one aspect of the root