Oral Surgery 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 Oral Surgery flashcards as text
What is the most common local complication following mandibular third molar extraction?
Answer: Dry socket (alveolar osteitis)
Alveolar osteitis (dry socket) is the most common post-extraction complication, occurring in 2–5% of all extractions and up to 30% of mandibular third molar extractions.
The inferior alveolar nerve block anesthetizes the mandibular teeth but does NOT anesthetize which tissue in the molar region?
Answer: Buccal gingiva of mandibular molars
The buccal gingiva of the mandibular molars is innervated by the long buccal nerve, which requires a separate buccal nerve block injection.
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) typically becomes symptomatic within how many days after extraction?
Answer: 3–5 days
Dry socket typically presents 3–5 days post-extraction when the blood clot disintegrates, leaving exposed alveolar bone and causing severe, radiating pain.
Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for developing dry socket after tooth extraction?
Answer: Smoking tobacco
Smoking is the most significant risk factor for dry socket because nicotine impairs healing and the negative oral pressure from inhaling can mechanically dislodge the clot.
The primary treatment for dry socket (alveolar osteitis) consists of:
Answer: Gentle socket irrigation and placement of a medicated dressing
Treatment involves irrigating the socket to remove debris and placing a medicated dressing such as alvogyl or iodoform gauze to relieve pain and protect exposed bone while healing occurs.
Which instrument is primarily used to section an impacted mandibular third molar during surgical extraction?
Answer: Surgical handpiece with round or fissure bur
Removal of impacted third molars typically requires a surgical handpiece with a bur to remove overlying bone and section the tooth, as forceps alone cannot deliver a fully impacted tooth.
Ludwig's angina is a bilateral rapidly spreading cellulitis that primarily involves which fascial spaces?
Answer: Submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces
Ludwig's angina involves the bilateral submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces, producing a board-like induration of the floor of the mouth with potential airway compromise.