Clinical Endodontics Flashcards
7 cards from real ABE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Clinical Endodontics flashcards as text
A patient presents with a maxillary first molar requiring retreatment. CBCT reveals a separated instrument in the apical third of the MB2 canal. What is the most appropriate initial management?
Answer: Bypass the fragment and obturate around it if periapical healing is present
When periapical pathology is absent and bypassing a separated instrument is possible, obturation around it is a viable and often successful approach.
Which irrigant is most effective at dissolving necrotic pulp tissue remnants in the root canal system?
Answer: Sodium hypochlorite 5.25%
Sodium hypochlorite is the only endodontic irrigant capable of dissolving organic tissue, making it the gold standard for pulp tissue dissolution.
A patient has a sinus tract traced to a maxillary lateral incisor with a normal periodontal probing depth but a non-vital pulp. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer: Pulp necrosis with chronic apical abscess
A sinus tract traced to a tooth with pulp necrosis and normal periodontal probing indicates a chronic apical abscess of endodontic origin.
During instrumentation of a mandibular molar, the working length suddenly increases by 3 mm. This most likely indicates:
Answer: Apical perforation
A sudden increase in working length during instrumentation is the classic sign of an apical perforation.
Which pulp capping material is considered the current gold standard for direct pulp capping in a mature permanent tooth?
Answer: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)
MTA is considered the current gold standard for direct pulp capping due to its superior biocompatibility, sealing ability, and dentinal bridge formation.
A patient reports pain upon biting down on a mandibular premolar. The tooth has a full-coverage crown, tests vital with cold, and has no periapical pathology on radiograph. The most likely diagnosis is:
Answer: Cracked tooth syndrome
Sharp pain on biting with a vital tooth, full crown, and no radiographic changes is characteristic of cracked tooth syndrome.
The phenomenon of 'phoenix abscess' refers to:
Answer: An acute exacerbation of a chronic periapical lesion
A phoenix abscess is an acute exacerbation of a pre-existing chronic periapical lesion, often triggered by mechanical disturbance during treatment.