AGD Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A patient presents with a 3 mm probing depth on the buccal of tooth #14 with bleeding on probing. Which diagnosis is most appropriate? → Gingivitis on an intact periodontium
2. Which instrument is used to measure the working length radiographically? → K-file placed at estimated working length
3. A bitewing radiograph reveals a radiolucency confined to the outer half of dentin on the proximal surface of tooth #29. How should this lesion be classified? → Outer dentin caries (D1)
4. A pigmented lesion on the palate of a patient taking antimalarial medication most likely represents: → Drug-induced melanosis
5. Which scenario best illustrates a conflict between beneficence and patient autonomy? → A patient declines recommended periodontal treatment despite being fully informed
6. Which endodontic sealer component is responsible for the antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide eugenol sealers? → Eugenol
7. Which suture material is MOST appropriate for closing a flap in an area where the patient is unlikely to return for suture removal? → 4-0 polyglycolic acid (Vicryl)
8. When cementing a zirconia crown, which luting agent provides the highest bond strength? → Resin cement with MDP-containing primer
9. Which statement BEST describes the concept of 'selective enamel etching' in adhesive dentistry? → Applying phosphoric acid to enamel margins only when using a self-etch adhesive
10. Which ceramic system is most appropriate for a high-strength posterior three-unit fixed partial denture? → Zirconia-based ceramic
11. Which radiographic bone pattern is MOST favorable for periodontal regeneration? → Three-wall infrabony defect
12. Galvanic corrosion in the oral cavity is most likely to occur when: → Dissimilar metals are in contact with saliva
13. Which of the following is the MOST important property of a die stone used for crown fabrication? → Low setting expansion and high compressive strength
14. Which ion released from glass ionomer cement is primarily responsible for its cariostatic properties? → Fluoride
15. A patient taking warfarin needs a simple extraction. The INR result is 2.8. What is the most appropriate course of action? → Proceed with extraction using local hemostatic measures
16. Which optical property of ceramics is most critical for matching the appearance of natural tooth enamel? → Translucency
17. A patient presents with lip swelling, facial nerve palsy, and fissured tongue. This triad is diagnostic of which condition? → Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome
18. Which microorganism is most commonly associated with persistent endodontic infections and is resistant to standard irrigation protocols? → Enterococcus faecalis
19. Which local anesthetic has the longest duration of action for pulpal anesthesia during an inferior alveolar nerve block? → 0.5% Bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine
20. The Widman flap procedure differs from the modified Widman flap primarily in that the original technique: → Includes osseous recontouring as a standard step
21. The most critical factor in the long-term success of a fixed partial denture with a pier abutment (middle abutment) is: → Incorporating a non-rigid connector at one end
22. During try-in of a wax denture, the patient's upper lip appears flat and unsupported with insufficient tooth display at rest. The appropriate correction is to: → Move the anterior teeth labially or increase their incisal length
23. Which surface treatment is required before bonding resin cement to a lithium disilicate ceramic restoration? → Hydrofluoric acid etching followed by silane application
24. The 'red complex' bacteria in periodontal disease includes Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and which third organism? → Tannerella forsythia
25. Which mucogingival procedure uses a palatal connective tissue graft placed under a split-thickness flap to increase keratinized tissue width? → Subepithelial connective tissue graft
26. In a CAD/CAM milled zirconia crown, what post-milling procedure is essential to achieve final hardness and translucency? → High-temperature sintering
27. Which property of zinc phosphate cement makes it suitable as a base under metallic restorations? → High thermal insulating capacity protects the pulp
28. Which antibiotic regimen is specifically recommended as an adjunct for treating aggressive periodontitis caused by A. actinomycetemcomitans? → Amoxicillin plus metronidazole
29. According to the 2017 AAP/EFP classification, which of the following is the primary criterion used to determine the 'Grade' of a periodontitis case? → The rate of disease progression over time
30. Which sealer is the BEST choice when post space will be needed immediately after obturation? → Zinc oxide–eugenol sealer (e.g., Pulp Canal Sealer)