Periodontics and 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 Periodontics and Endodontics flashcards as text
Which bacteria is considered a MAJOR periodontal pathogen and is characteristically associated with rapidly progressing periodontitis?
Answer: Porphyromonas gingivalis
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram-negative anaerobic rod considered a keystone periodontal pathogen due to its ability to evade host defenses and produce destructive proteases.
What type of root resorption occurs from the outside of the root inward and is often associated with trauma or orthodontic treatment?
Answer: External inflammatory resorption
External inflammatory resorption occurs on the outer root surface, commonly triggered by trauma, orthodontic forces, or periapical infection stimulating osteoclastic activity.
Which material is used as the gold standard for root canal obturation?
Answer: Gutta-percha with sealer
Gutta-percha combined with an endodontic sealer remains the gold standard for root canal obturation due to its biocompatibility, dimensional stability, and ease of removal if retreatment is needed.
A patient taking phenytoin for seizure disorder is MOST likely to develop which periodontal complication?
Answer: Drug-influenced gingival enlargement
Phenytoin (Dilantin) is one of the classic drugs causing drug-influenced gingival enlargement (overgrowth), along with cyclosporine and calcium channel blockers.
What does the term 'weeping canal' indicate clinically?
Answer: Persistent exudate from the canal indicating active infection
A weeping canal refers to persistent exudate (usually serous or purulent) flowing from the root canal, indicating active periapical infection requiring further debridement before obturation.
Which probe is specifically designed for detecting furcation involvement in multirooted teeth?
Answer: Nabers probe
The Nabers probe (curved furcation probe) is specifically designed to access and measure furcation defects on multirooted teeth.
Which radiographic finding is MOST characteristic of a periapical cyst versus a periapical granuloma?
Answer: Periapical cysts tend to be larger with a well-defined corticated border
While not definitively distinguishable radiographically, periapical cysts tend to appear larger with a well-defined corticated (sclerotic) border compared to the less defined margin of granulomas.