ABE Endodontic Diagnosis and Radiology 3

Question 1

A 45-year-old patient presents with a tooth that is asymptomatic and non-responsive to both cold and EPT testing. Radiograph shows a diffuse periapical radiolucency with well-defined borders. What is the periapical diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Asymptomatic apical periodontitis

Answer

Asymptomatic apical periodontitis is defined by a non-vital pulp with radiographic periapical changes but no clinical symptoms.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the radiographic appearance of condensing osteitis?

Accepted Answer

Diffuse radiopaque mass surrounding the root apex

Answer

Condensing osteitis appears as a diffuse radiopaque area around the root apex representing a focal sclerosing osteomyelitis reaction.

Question 3

A dentist anesthetizes tooth #30 with an IANB and the patient still reports cold sensitivity. The tooth has a positive cold response and no periapical pathology. What test should be performed next?

Accepted Answer

Selective anesthesia of adjacent teeth to localize the source

Answer

When the symptomatic tooth cannot be identified after anesthesia, selective anesthesia of adjacent teeth helps localize the true source of pain.

Question 4

In the AAE diagnostic classification, 'previously initiated therapy' refers to a tooth that has:

Accepted Answer

Partial pulp removal or pulpotomy performed previously

Answer

Previously initiated therapy describes a tooth where partial endodontic treatment (e.g., pulpotomy or partial instrumentation) has been performed but not completed.

Question 5

Which radiographic technique produces the LEAST geometric distortion of periapical structures?

Accepted Answer

Paralleling technique with film holder

Answer

The paralleling technique places the film parallel to the tooth's long axis and directs the X-ray beam perpendicularly, minimizing distortion.

(ABE) American Board of Endodontics Practice Test

(ABE) American Board of Endodontics Practice Test

ABE Endodontic Diagnosis and Radiology 3