AGD Diagnostic & Treatment Planning Techniques 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a diagnostic wax-up in treatment planning?
- It provides a definitive impression for the final restoration
- It visualizes the proposed treatment outcome before irreversible procedures begin (Correct answer)
- It records the patient's maximum intercuspation
- It measures the amount of tooth reduction needed for esthetic bonding
Correct answer: It visualizes the proposed treatment outcome before irreversible procedures begin
A diagnostic wax-up allows clinician and patient to preview proposed changes before any irreversible dental treatment.
Question 2: A patient presents with tooth wear affecting the palatal surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth. This pattern is MOST characteristic of:
- Bruxism (attrition)
- Erosion from gastric acid or acidic beverages (Correct answer)
- Abrasion from toothbrushing
- Abfraction from occlusal stress
Correct answer: Erosion from gastric acid or acidic beverages
Palatal erosion of maxillary anteriors is the classic pattern of acid erosion, often from GERD or dietary acids.
Question 3: When assessing a patient's smile line, the ideal relationship of the upper lip to the maxillary incisors at rest is:
- The lip covers the entire incisal third
- 1–3 mm of incisal edge is visible (Correct answer)
- No incisal edge is visible
- The entire crown is visible
Correct answer: 1–3 mm of incisal edge is visible
Ideally, 1–3 mm of the maxillary incisal edge is visible below the upper lip at rest.
Question 4: Which of the following systemic conditions is MOST associated with increased susceptibility to periodontal disease?
- Hypothyroidism
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Correct answer)
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Iron-deficiency anemia
Correct answer: Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes significantly impairs immune response and wound healing, increasing periodontal susceptibility.
Question 5: A cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan is MOST indicated over conventional 2D radiography for which of the following situations?
- Routine caries detection at a recall visit
- Assessment of impacted third molar proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve (Correct answer)
- Monitoring existing periapical pathology of a single-rooted tooth
- Bitewing survey for interproximal caries in an adult
Correct answer: Assessment of impacted third molar proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve
CBCT provides 3D visualization of the spatial relationship between impacted teeth and vital structures such as the IAN.
Question 6: In applying the risk-benefit analysis for treatment planning, which patient factor MOST increases the risk associated with elective dental procedures?
- A history of mild seasonal allergies
- Recent myocardial infarction within the past 6 months (Correct answer)
- A history of well-controlled asthma
- A single episode of syncope 10 years ago
Correct answer: Recent myocardial infarction within the past 6 months
A recent MI within 6 months significantly elevates cardiovascular risk and often warrants postponement of elective dental treatment.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST defines a 'strategic tooth' in treatment planning?
- A tooth with the largest crown surface area
- A tooth critical to the overall function or support of a prosthetic plan (Correct answer)
- A tooth with the deepest probing depths
- A tooth that has the most carious lesions
Correct answer: A tooth critical to the overall function or support of a prosthetic plan
A strategic tooth is one whose retention is essential to support a prosthesis or maintain occlusal stability in the treatment plan.
AGD Diagnostic & Treatment Planning Techniques 4
Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a diagnostic wax-up in treatment planning?