Endodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Flashcards
7 cards from real AGD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Endodontic Diagnosis and Treatment flashcards as text
Which classification system is used to describe the complexity of root canal anatomy based on canal configuration?
Answer: Vertucci's classification
Vertucci's classification describes eight canal configuration types based on how canals originate, divide, and terminate within the root.
A patient with an acute alveolar abscess presents with facial cellulitis and difficulty swallowing. What is the MOST urgent concern?
Answer: Airway compromise from spreading infection such as Ludwig's angina
Spreading odontogenic infection to the floor of the mouth (Ludwig's angina) can rapidly compromise the airway and is a life-threatening emergency.
External cervical resorption (ECR) differs from internal root resorption (IRR) radiographically because ECR:
Answer: Appears eccentric to the canal and the canal outline remains intact through the lesion
In ECR, the root canal remains intact and the resorptive defect is external; on CBCT, the canal outline can be traced through the lesion, unlike IRR.
The 'Schilder technique' in root canal obturation is characterized by:
Answer: Warm vertical compaction using heated pluggers
The Schilder technique uses sequentially heated pluggers and vertical compaction to densely obturate the canal system with warm gutta-percha.
Calcium hydroxide is used as an intracanal medicament between appointments primarily because it:
Answer: Creates a highly alkaline pH that kills anaerobic bacteria
Calcium hydroxide dissociates to produce hydroxyl ions, raising pH to approximately 12.5, which disrupts bacterial cell membranes and enzyme function.
Which of the following BEST describes the working length (WL) used in root canal treatment?
Answer: Length from a coronal reference point to 0.5–1 mm short of the radiographic apex
Working length is measured from a stable coronal reference point to approximately 0.5–1 mm short of the radiographic apex, near the apical constriction.
Which sealer is the BEST choice when post space will be needed immediately after obturation?
Answer: Zinc oxide–eugenol sealer (e.g., Pulp Canal Sealer)
Zinc oxide–eugenol sealers remain soluble and can be dissolved by solvents, allowing easier post space preparation without damaging the apical seal.