MJDF Clinical Dentistry

Question 1

A patient presents with a deep carious lesion on a lower first molar with symptoms of reversible pulpitis. What is the most appropriate treatment approach?

Accepted Answer

Stepwise excavation or selective caries removal to avoid pulp exposure, followed by placement of a well-sealed restoration

Answer

Immediate root canal treatment

Answer

Extraction and replacement with an implant

Answer

Prescribe antibiotics and review in one month

Question 2

When assessing a patient for a fixed dental prosthesis (bridge), what is Ante's Law and what is its clinical significance?

Accepted Answer

It states that the total periodontal ligament area of the abutment teeth should be equal to or greater than that of the teeth being replaced — it helps determine whether abutment teeth can support the bridge

Answer

It states that the number of pontics must equal the number of abutments

Answer

It determines the shade selection for the bridge

Answer

It specifies the minimum connector dimensions for a bridge

Question 3

What are the essential features of an ideal Class II cavity preparation for a composite resin restoration?

Accepted Answer

Conservative preparation following the extent of caries, rounded internal line angles, enamel bevels at the occlusal margin (no bevel gingivally), adequate access for placement and curing, and a clear gingival margin for matrix adaptation

Answer

Flat floor, undercuts for retention, 90-degree cavosurface angles, and maximum extension

Answer

No cavity preparation is needed — composite bonds to any surface

Answer

Sharp internal line angles, dovetail retention, and extension for prevention to all fissures

Question 4

A patient presents with localised aggressive periodontitis affecting the first molars and incisors in a 22-year-old. What microorganism is most commonly associated with this condition?

Accepted Answer

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Answer

Streptococcus mutans

Answer

Candida albicans

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 5

What is the difference between a removable partial denture designed with a bounded saddle versus a free-end saddle, and how does this affect support?

Accepted Answer

A bounded saddle has abutment teeth on both sides of the edentulous span (tooth-supported); a free-end saddle extends distally with no posterior abutment (mucosa-supported distally), requiring careful consideration of support, retention, and path of insertion to manage differential tissue support

Answer

There is no clinical difference between bounded and free-end saddles

Answer

A free-end saddle is always contraindicated in partial denture design

Answer

Bounded saddles require implants for support; free-end saddles do not

Question 6

During root canal treatment, sodium hypochlorite is the most widely used irrigant. What are its properties and the main risk associated with its use?

Accepted Answer

It dissolves organic tissue (necrotic pulp and biofilm), has a broad antimicrobial spectrum, and lubricates the canal; the main risk is extrusion beyond the apex causing severe tissue damage, pain, swelling, and potentially paraesthesia

Answer

It is a mild antiseptic with no significant risks

Answer

It only removes the smear layer and has no antimicrobial properties

Answer

It is used solely to lubricate the files and has no chemical action