Mixed Deck — All AGD Topics Flashcards

A 65-year-old patient with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes undergoes tooth extraction. Which healing complication is MOST likely compared to a non-diabetic patient?

Answer: Delayed wound healing and increased infection risk

Poorly controlled diabetes impairs neutrophil function and collagen synthesis, significantly increasing the risk of delayed healing and post-operative infection.

Which of the following best describes the role of a face-bow record in fixed prosthodontics?

Answer: It transfers the maxillary cast to an articulator in the same relationship to the hinge axis

The face-bow records the spatial relationship of the maxillary arch to the transverse hinge axis, allowing accurate mounting on an articulator.

A patient with a Kennedy Class I removable partial denture reports that the denture drops during swallowing. The most appropriate adjustment is to:

Answer: Adjust the border extensions in the distal flange area

Overextended posterior flanges interfere with the action of the pterygomandibular raphe and buccinator muscle, causing the denture to unseat during swallowing.

Which property of zinc phosphate cement makes it suitable as a base under metallic restorations?

Answer: High thermal insulating capacity protects the pulp

Zinc phosphate cement serves as a thermal insulator under metallic restorations, protecting the pulp from temperature changes conducted through metal.

Why is continuing education important for dental professionals?

Answer: To remain competent and current in dental practices

Continuing education (CE) is vital for dental professionals to stay abreast of the latest advancements in dental science, technology, materials, and techniques. The field of dentistry is constantly evolving, and CE ensures that practitioners maintain and enhance their clinical skills, knowledge, and competence. This commitment to lifelong learning directly translates to providing the highest quality, most current, and safest care to patients.

In CAD/CAM dentistry, what is the purpose of the sintering step for zirconia restorations?

Answer: Converting pre-sintered partially stabilized zirconia to full density and strength

Sintering at 1450–1600°C drives densification of zirconia particles, increasing strength from ~100 MPa to over 900 MPa.

A flowable composite would be preferred over a packable composite in which clinical situation?

Answer: Lining the internal walls of a deep Class I preparation

Flowable composites are ideal as liners in cavity preparations due to their low viscosity, easy adaptation, and elastic modulus that provides a stress-absorbing layer.

Which material is contraindicated for use as a temporary (provisional) crown under a rubber dam if the final restoration will be bonded with resin cement?

Answer: Eugenol-containing provisional cement

Eugenol from provisional cements penetrates dentinal tubules and inhibits polymerization of resin cements, leading to bond failure of the final restoration.

The purpose of a diagnostic wax-up prior to restorative treatment is to:

Answer: Visualize and communicate the planned final outcome before tooth preparation

A diagnostic wax-up allows the clinician and patient to preview the proposed restorative outcome, guide preparation depth, and create provisional restorations.

A patient presents with bilateral TMJ clicking that disappears when the mandible is protruded before opening. This MOST likely indicates:

Answer: Anterior disc displacement with reduction

Reciprocal clicking that resolves with protrusion is pathognomonic of anterior disc displacement with reduction, where the disc recaptures during opening.

A 60-year-old female patient reports a constant burning sensation on her tongue and lips for the past six months, with no identifiable clinical signs of lesions or inflammation. The sensation is absent upon waking but worsens throughout the day. A complete blood count and tests for nutritional deficiencies are normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)

Burning Mouth Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion characterized by a chronic burning or painful sensation in the mouth without any clinically visible mucosal abnormalities. It typically worsens during the day and often spares sleep. The diagnosis is made after ruling out local and systemic causes like candidiasis, allergies, and nutritional deficiencies.

The most critical factor in the long-term success of a fixed partial denture with a pier abutment (middle abutment) is:

Answer: Incorporating a non-rigid connector at one end

A non-rigid connector at the distal aspect of the middle abutment allows independent movement and prevents differential tooth movement from dislodging the retainer.

The modified Widman flap differs from an open flap debridement primarily because it:

Answer: Includes a reverse bevel incision and removes the inner epithelium and granulation tissue

The modified Widman flap uses a reverse bevel (internal bevel) incision to excise the pocket epithelium and inflamed connective tissue while preserving the outer gingival tissue.

Which type of connector in an RPD framework crosses the midline and joins the bilateral components?

Answer: Major connector

The major connector (e.g., palatal bar or lingual bar) crosses the midline and rigidly joins all components of the RPD framework.

Which ethical principle is most directly violated when a dentist performs unnecessary procedures to increase production?

Answer: Nonmaleficence

Nonmaleficence—the duty to do no harm—is violated when unnecessary procedures expose patients to risk without clinical benefit.

Which of the following clasp assemblies provides the most favorable stress distribution for a distal-extension removable partial denture?

Answer: RPI (rest, proximal plate, I-bar) clasp system

The RPI system allows the I-bar retainer to disengage and move gingivally under load, reducing torquing forces transmitted to the abutment tooth.

The DMFT index measures caries experience in permanent teeth. The 'M' component represents:

Answer: Missing teeth due to caries only

In the DMFT index, 'M' counts only teeth missing due to caries, not extractions for other reasons.

The biologic width is defined as the combined measurement of:

Answer: Junctional epithelium and supracrestal connective tissue attachment

Biologic width consists of junctional epithelium (~0.97 mm) plus supracrestal connective tissue (~1.07 mm), totaling approximately 2 mm.

The fatigue failure of a metal restoration is best described as failure due to:

Answer: Repeated cyclic stresses below the proportional limit

Fatigue failure occurs from repeated cyclic loading at stresses well below the material's ultimate strength, eventually causing crack initiation and propagation.

The critical probing depth at which surgical treatment tends to result in better attachment level gains than non-surgical treatment is generally:

Answer: Greater than 5–6 mm

Evidence suggests that surgical therapy produces greater attachment level gains than non-surgical treatment at initial probing depths greater than 5–6 mm.