Free DANB Assisting with Endodontic Procedures Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a barbed broach in endodontics?
- To shape and enlarge the canal
- To remove the bulk of the pulp tissue (Correct answer)
- To dry the canal before obturation
- To condense gutta-percha
Correct answer: To remove the bulk of the pulp tissue
A barbed broach is a thin, flexible instrument with sharp barbs angled towards the handle. It is carefully inserted into the root canal to engage and remove the bulk of the pulpal tissue in one piece.
Question 2: The most common irrigant used to disinfect the canal system during root canal therapy is:
- Sterile saline
- Chlorhexidine gluconate
- Sodium hypochlorite (Correct answer)
- Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
Correct answer: Sodium hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), which is essentially household bleach in a diluted and purified form, is the most widely used irrigant. It is highly effective at dissolving necrotic tissue and killing bacteria within the complex root canal system.
Question 3: What is the term for the procedure of filling the root canal with a biocompatible material after it has been cleaned and shaped?
- Apicoectomy
- Pulpotomy
- Instrumentation
- Obturation (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Obturation
Obturation is the final step of root canal treatment before the permanent restoration. It involves filling the prepared canal space with a sealing material, most commonly gutta-percha and a root canal sealer, to prevent re-infection.
Question 4: Which of the following are used to dry the root canal completely before it is filled?
- Gutta-percha points
- Paper points (Correct answer)
- Cotton pellets
- Barbed broaches
Correct answer: Paper points
Paper points are sterile, absorbent paper cones that are sized to match the endodontic files. They are inserted into the canal to absorb any remaining moisture or irrigant, ensuring the canal is completely dry for optimal sealing during obturation.
Question 5: An endodontic diagnostic test that involves tapping on the incisal or occlusal surface of a tooth is called:
- Palpation
- Percussion (Correct answer)
- Cold test
- Transillumination
Correct answer: Percussion
The percussion test is used to determine if inflammation has extended to the periapical tissues (the area around the root tip). Pain upon tapping can indicate periapical periodontitis, which helps the dentist diagnose the source of a patient's pain.
Question 6: The master cone in endodontics refers to:
- The largest file used to shape the canal
- The primary gutta-percha point used to fill the canal (Correct answer)
- A special bur used to widen the canal orifice
- The absorbent point used to dry the canal
Correct answer: The primary gutta-percha point used to fill the canal
The master cone is the primary gutta-percha point selected to fit the full working length of the prepared canal. It should have a snug fit at the apex (a phenomenon called 'tug-back') before additional accessory cones are compacted around it.
Question 7: What is the purpose of using a rubber dam during endodontic treatment?
- To keep the patient's mouth open
- To prevent contamination and protect the patient's airway (Correct answer)
- To provide better lighting for the operator
- To retract the patient's tongue and cheeks
Correct answer: To prevent contamination and protect the patient's airway
A rubber dam is essential in endodontics for several reasons. It isolates the tooth from the oral environment, preventing contamination from saliva and bacteria, and it protects the patient from aspirating or swallowing small instruments, irrigants, or debris.
Free DANB Assisting with Endodontic Procedures Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a barbed broach in endodontics?