Mixed Deck — All DMD Topics Flashcards

Which endodontic complication involves perforation of the root during instrumentation?

Answer: Strip perforation

Strip perforation occurs in curved canals when over-instrumentation removes too much dentin on the inner curve, creating a lateral communication with the periodontal ligament.

Which ethical principle is most directly applicable to documentation standards?

Answer: Beneficence — acting in the patient's best interest

Beneficence, the principle of acting in the patient's best interest, is fundamental to ethical practice in documentation standards.

What is an inlay used for?

Answer: To restore a cavity within the cusps

An inlay is a custom-made restoration used to repair a cavity or damage that lies within the cusps (the chewing surfaces) of a tooth, without extending to the outer surfaces. It is fabricated outside the mouth and then cemented into place, offering a more durable and precise restoration than a direct filling for moderate decay.

What is the primary use of dental radiographs?

Answer: To diagnose hidden dental conditions

Dental radiographs, commonly known as X-rays, are indispensable diagnostic tools in dentistry. They allow practitioners to visualize structures and conditions that are not visible during a routine clinical examination, such as hidden cavities between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, infections, and other abnormalities within the jawbones. This enables early detection and accurate diagnosis of various dental issues, leading to effective treatment planning.

What is the first step in the diagnostic process for a dental patient?

Answer: Patient history review

The initial step in the diagnostic process is always to gather a comprehensive patient history. This includes medical, dental, and social histories, which provide crucial context about the patient's overall health, previous dental issues, medications, and lifestyle factors. This information guides the subsequent clinical examination and helps in forming an accurate diagnosis and safe treatment plan.

Which evidence-based approach is most important when applying diagnostic procedures principles?

Answer: Integrating current research with clinical expertise and patient values

Evidence-based practice in ${subj.toLowerCase()} requires integrating current research findings with clinical expertise and individual patient values.

Which of the following is considered a routine preventive dental procedure?

Answer: Professional dental cleaning

Professional dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a cornerstone of routine preventive dentistry. During this procedure, a dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from teeth, which cannot be fully removed by brushing and flossing alone. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities, gingivitis, and more severe periodontal disease, contributing significantly to overall oral health.

A low contact angle (θ approaching 0°) of an adhesive resin on a conditioned tooth surface indicates:

Answer: Good wettability and favorable adhesion potential

A low contact angle indicates good wettability, meaning the adhesive spreads readily over the surface and can penetrate microporosities to form a strong mechanical bond.

What is the furcation involvement classification when the probe enters the furcation but does not pass through?

Answer: Class II

Class II furcation involvement means the probe penetrates into the furcation area but does not pass through to the other side.

What is the standard of care requirement for medical ethics and law in clinical practice?

Answer: The level of care a reasonably competent practitioner would provide

The standard of care is defined as what a reasonably competent practitioner with similar training would provide under similar circumstances.

A 'window' osteotomy technique is used during which procedure?

Answer: Sinus lift (lateral window technique)

The lateral window (Caldwell-Luc) sinus lift technique uses a 'window' osteotomy through the lateral sinus wall to access the maxillary sinus for augmentation.

Which property of a dental material specifically describes its resistance to permanent surface indentation?

Answer: Hardness

Hardness is defined as resistance to permanent deformation or indentation of the surface, commonly tested by Vickers, Knoop, or Brinell methods.

Which type of bone graft has the highest osteogenic potential?

Answer: Autograft

Autografts have the highest osteogenic potential because they contain living osteogenic cells harvested from the patient's own body.

What role does documentation play in clinical assessment methods?

Answer: It is a critical legal and clinical requirement

Thorough documentation in clinical assessment methods is both a legal requirement and essential for continuity of patient care.

Which material is typically used for permanent posterior restorations due to durability?

Answer: Amalgam

Amalgam, often referred to as silver fillings, has historically been a preferred material for permanent posterior restorations due to its exceptional durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness. Its ability to withstand high chewing forces in the back of the mouth makes it a reliable choice for long-lasting restorations in areas where aesthetics are less of a concern.

The setting expansion of dental stone during gypsum product fabrication is clinically important because it:

Answer: Compensates for the solidification shrinkage of gold casting alloys

The slight setting expansion of dental stone compensates for the thermal contraction (solidification shrinkage) that occurs when molten gold alloys solidify in the casting mold.

Which classification system is used to describe the position of impacted mandibular third molars?

Answer: Pell and Gregory classification

The Pell and Gregory classification system categorizes impacted mandibular third molars based on their relationship to the ramus and the occlusal plane.

What does a positive bleeding on probing (BOP) primarily indicate?

Answer: Active gingival inflammation

Bleeding on probing is a reliable indicator of active gingival inflammation due to increased vascularity and ulceration of the sulcular epithelium.

Which prosthetic option is ideal for a completely edentulous patient?

Answer: Complete denture

For a completely edentulous patient, meaning someone who has lost all their natural teeth in an arch, a complete denture is the ideal prosthetic option. It is a removable appliance designed to replace all missing teeth and surrounding tissues, restoring chewing function, speech, and facial aesthetics. Partial dentures are for patients with some remaining natural teeth.

In which situation is a single-visit root canal treatment contraindicated?

Answer: Acute apical abscess with systemic involvement

An acute apical abscess with systemic signs (fever, lymphadenopathy) is a contraindication to single-visit treatment because the infection requires drainage and may need adjunctive antibiotics.