NBDE General Practice 3

Question 1

A patient presents with a 2-week-old, non-healing ulcer on the lateral border of the tongue. What is the most important next step?

Accepted Answer

Perform an incisional biopsy

Answer

Any non-healing oral ulcer persisting more than 2 weeks requires an incisional biopsy to rule out squamous cell carcinoma.

Question 2

Which of the following is the MOST common cause of postoperative hemorrhage after a tooth extraction?

Accepted Answer

Local factors such as trauma and infection

Answer

Most postoperative bleeding after extraction is due to local factors including excessive trauma, infection, or failure to form a stable clot rather than systemic coagulopathies.

Question 3

A dentist places a composite restoration and the patient returns 1 week later with sensitivity to cold. The most likely cause is:

Accepted Answer

Inadequate polymerization of the composite

Answer

Inadequate curing of composite leaves unpolymerized resin monomers that cause pulpal irritation and sensitivity to cold stimuli.

Question 4

When taking a panoramic radiograph, a patient's chin is not sufficiently elevated. What artifact results?

Accepted Answer

Reverse smile curve of the occlusal plane

Answer

If the chin is too low (patient tipping head down), the Frankfort plane is below horizontal and the occlusal plane curves upward, producing a reverse (frowning) smile curve.

Question 5

A patient presents with xerostomia, bilateral parotid enlargement, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Which condition should be suspected?

Accepted Answer

Sjögren's syndrome

Answer

The classic triad of dry mouth, dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), and salivary gland enlargement is characteristic of Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune exocrinopathy.

NBDE - National Board Dental Examination Practice Test

NBDE - National Board Dental Examination Practice Test

NBDE General Practice 3