DMD Endodontics and Pulp Biology Flashcards
6 cards from real DMD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 DMD Endodontics and Pulp Biology flashcards as text
Which zone of the pulp contains the cell bodies of odontoblasts?
Answer: Odontoblastic layer
The odontoblastic layer is the outermost zone of the pulp and contains the cell bodies of odontoblasts, which line the pulp-dentin border.
Which test is most reliable for confirming pulp vitality?
Answer: Laser Doppler flowmetry
Laser Doppler flowmetry directly measures blood flow within the pulp, making it the most reliable vitality test, though it is not routinely available in clinical practice.
Irreversible pulpitis is characterized by which symptom?
Answer: Lingering pain after stimulus removal
Lingering pain (>30 seconds after stimulus removal) is the hallmark of irreversible pulpitis, indicating significant pulpal inflammation that cannot heal.
What is the function of the Weil's (cell-free) zone in the pulp?
Answer: It contains unmyelinated nerve fibers and capillaries but is relatively acellular, serving as a reserve for fibroblast migration
Weil's zone is a relatively acellular region just beneath the odontoblastic layer that contains fine nerve fibers and capillaries and serves as a reservoir for fibroblast migration during repair.
Which type of dentin is formed in response to caries or trauma as a protective response?
Answer: Tertiary (reparative) dentin
Tertiary dentin, also called reparative dentin, is rapidly formed by newly differentiated odontoblast-like cells in response to irritation such as caries or operative procedures.
Which microorganism is most commonly found in primary endodontic infections?
Answer: Mixed anaerobic flora
Primary endodontic infections are typically polymicrobial, predominantly composed of obligate anaerobes in a synergistic mixed flora.