Knowledge Flashcards

Which microorganism is most commonly associated with early childhood caries?

Answer: Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is the primary pathogen in early childhood caries due to its acid production and ability to colonize tooth surfaces.

Which of the following local anesthetics is classified as an amide?

Answer: Lidocaine

Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic metabolized by the liver, while procaine, benzocaine, and tetracaine are esters.

The blood supply to the maxillary anterior teeth is primarily provided by which artery?

Answer: Anterior superior alveolar artery

The anterior superior alveolar artery, a branch of the infraorbital artery, supplies the maxillary anterior teeth and surrounding tissues.

In histology, the stratum granulosum of the oral epithelium is characterized by cells containing:

Answer: Keratohyalin granules

The stratum granulosum contains cells with basophilic keratohyalin granules that are precursors to the keratin filament matrix.

Which vitamin deficiency is most associated with impaired wound healing and decreased collagen synthesis?

Answer: Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for hydroxylation of proline and lysine in collagen synthesis; its deficiency causes scurvy and impaired wound healing.

Which suture type is preferred for intraoral soft tissue closure due to its minimal tissue reactivity?

Answer: Polyglycolic acid (Dexon)

Polyglycolic acid sutures are synthetic absorbable sutures with minimal tissue reactivity and predictable absorption, making them preferred intraoally.

A patient taking warfarin has an INR of 3.8. What is the most appropriate management before a routine dental extraction?

Answer: Consult with the patient's physician to adjust the anticoagulation

An INR above 3.5 requires physician consultation to safely adjust anticoagulation before dental extractions to minimize bleeding risk.