DANB CDA Oral Pathology and Dental Emergencies Flashcards

Periapical abscess is characterized by:

Answer: Pus accumulation at the root apex due to pulpal necrosis and bacterial infection

A periapical abscess forms when bacteria from a necrotic pulp infect the periapical tissues, resulting in pus accumulation at the root apex, causing pain, swelling, and possible systemic involvement.

What is the purpose of documenting a patient's medical history before dental treatment?

Answer: To identify conditions, medications, and allergies that may affect treatment safety and outcomes

A thorough medical history identifies systemic conditions, drug interactions, allergies, and bleeding disorders that directly influence treatment planning and patient safety.

Trismus after a dental injection most likely results from:

Answer: Trauma or hematoma from multiple needle injections into the pterygoid muscles

Trismus (limited jaw opening) following inferior alveolar nerve blocks is typically caused by hemorrhage, hematoma, or muscle trauma from needle insertion into the medial pterygoid muscle.

Fordyce spots are:

Answer: Normal ectopic sebaceous glands appearing as yellowish-white spots on the oral mucosa

Fordyce spots are benign, ectopic sebaceous glands visible as small, yellowish-white spots on the buccal mucosa or vermilion border of the lips, requiring no treatment.

Which of the following is a sign that a patient may be experiencing an opioid overdose during or after dental sedation?

Answer: Pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, and unresponsiveness

Opioid overdose presents with the classic triad of pinpoint pupils (miosis), respiratory depression, and decreased consciousness, requiring immediate naloxone administration and EMS activation.

Which condition is characterized by the destruction of the periodontium and alveolar bone, and if untreated, leads to tooth loss?

Answer: Periodontitis

Periodontitis involves irreversible destruction of the periodontal ligament and supporting alveolar bone due to chronic bacterial infection, resulting in pocket formation and eventual tooth loss if not treated.