Trivia Flashcards
7 cards from real DDS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Trivia flashcards as text
Which nerve must be anesthetized to achieve pulpal anesthesia of the maxillary molars during routine dental procedures?
Answer: Posterior superior alveolar and middle superior alveolar nerves
Maxillary molar pulpal anesthesia requires the posterior superior alveolar nerve (for roots) and often the middle superior alveolar nerve (for mesiobuccal root and surrounding tissue).
What is the primary buffer system in saliva that resists pH changes caused by bacterial acids?
Answer: Bicarbonate buffer system
The bicarbonate buffer system is the dominant buffering mechanism in stimulated saliva, neutralizing acids produced by cariogenic bacteria to protect enamel.
Which type of bone graft uses bone harvested from the same individual receiving the graft?
Answer: Autograft
An autograft (autogenous bone graft) uses bone harvested from the patient's own body (e.g., chin, ramus, iliac crest) and is considered the gold standard for bone regeneration.
Which condition is characterized by failure of cementum to cover the root apex, resulting in exposed dentin at the apex?
Answer: Cemental aplasia
Cemental aplasia refers to absent or deficient cementum at the root apex, leaving dentin exposed and potentially causing hypersensitivity or periodontal vulnerability.
How many permanent teeth are in a full adult dentition, including third molars?
Answer: 32
A complete adult dentition consists of 32 permanent teeth: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, 8 first and second molars, and 4 third molars (wisdom teeth).
Which instrument is specifically designed to remove supragingival and subgingival calculus by using a pull stroke on root surfaces?
Answer: Curette
Curettes (such as Gracey curettes) have a rounded toe and back, allowing safe subgingival access on root surfaces using a pull stroke to remove calculus and root-surface deposits.
Which systemic condition is most closely associated with an increased risk of dry socket (alveolar osteitis) after tooth extraction?
Answer: Cigarette smoking
Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket by inhibiting clot formation and promoting fibrinolysis through vasoconstriction and chemical interference from tobacco.