Endodontics Flashcards
7 cards from real NBDE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Endodontics flashcards as text
A patient reports pain on biting specifically to one tooth. Cold and heat tests are normal. Percussion is painful. No periapical pathology on radiograph. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer: Cracked tooth syndrome
Cracked tooth syndrome presents with pain on biting (especially release), normal thermal responses, and no radiographic changes — a classic diagnostic challenge.
Which classification describes a non-vital tooth with a periapical lesion that has no signs or symptoms?
Answer: Asymptomatic apical periodontitis
Asymptomatic apical periodontitis is diagnosed in a non-vital tooth with periapical bone loss but no clinical symptoms, confirmed by pulp sensibility testing.
The concept of 'apical patency' during root canal instrumentation refers to:
Answer: Passing a small file 0.5–1mm through the apical foramen to prevent debris blockage
Apical patency is maintained by passing a small (#10) patency file slightly through the foramen periodically to prevent dentinal debris from packing at the apex.
Condensing osteitis (focal sclerosing osteomyelitis) radiographically appears as:
Answer: Diffuse periapical radiopacity around the apex of a tooth with pulpal pathology
Condensing osteitis is a diffuse periapical radiopacity representing a low-grade inflammatory bone reaction to mild pulpal irritation.
Which factor most increases the risk of sodium hypochlorite accident (injection beyond the apex)?
Answer: Large apical foramen size in immature or resorbed teeth
A large or irregular apical foramen (as in immature teeth or external resorption) allows irrigant to escape the canal and contact periapical tissues, causing a severe hypochlorite accident.
In the AAE classification system, which diagnosis applies to a tooth with vital inflamed pulp tissue causing moderate-to-severe pain that does NOT subside after stimulus removal?
Answer: Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis
Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is characterized by spontaneous or provoked pain that lingers >30 seconds after stimulus removal, indicating irreversible pulpal damage requiring root canal treatment.
Which post-endodontic restoration provides the best long-term prognosis for a maxillary first premolar after root canal treatment?
Answer: Full-coverage crown
Maxillary first premolars are highly susceptible to vertical fracture after root canal treatment; a full-coverage crown provides the essential cuspal protection to prevent fracture.