Endodontics and Pulpal Therapy 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 Endodontics and Pulpal Therapy flashcards as text
Which microorganism is most commonly associated with persistent endodontic infections and is resistant to standard irrigation protocols?
Answer: Enterococcus faecalis
Enterococcus faecalis is highly resistant to calcium hydroxide and commonly colonizes filled canals, making it the leading cause of treatment failure.
During root canal treatment, a separated instrument is found in the middle third of a curved canal. What is the FIRST recommended action?
Answer: Assess retrievability with magnification and consider bypass before removal attempts
The recommended initial approach is to assess the fragment's position and retrievability under magnification, then attempt bypass if removal carries high risk.
What is the purpose of placing calcium hydroxide as an inter-appointment medicament?
Answer: Provide antimicrobial action and stimulate periapical healing
Calcium hydroxide raises intracanal pH to ~12, killing residual bacteria and promoting periapical tissue repair between appointments.
A mandibular second premolar is known for its challenging anatomy. What variant most commonly causes missed canals?
Answer: Two canals that merge into one (Type II Vertucci)
Mandibular second premolars frequently have two canals (Vertucci Type II) that join apically, with the second canal easily missed if access is inadequate.
The 'apical vapor lock' phenomenon during irrigation refers to:
Answer: Trapped air at the apex preventing irrigant from reaching the last few millimeters
Air trapped apically creates a vapor lock that blocks irrigant penetration; this can be countered with sonic/ultrasonic agitation or negative pressure techniques.
Which pulp capping material has shown superior long-term outcomes in randomized clinical trials compared to calcium hydroxide?
Answer: MTA and Biodentine (calcium silicate cements)
Calcium silicate cements like MTA and Biodentine consistently outperform calcium hydroxide in direct pulp capping due to superior biocompatibility and dentinal bridge formation.
Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) for immature necrotic teeth primarily aim to achieve which outcome?
Answer: Continued root development (apexogenesis) and possible pulp tissue regeneration
REPs use disinfection and blood clot scaffolding to allow stem cells from the apical papilla to promote continued root maturation.