NBDE Oral Surgery

Question 1

What is the most common local complication following mandibular third molar extraction?

Accepted Answer

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis)

Answer

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.

Question 2

The inferior alveolar nerve block anesthetizes the mandibular teeth but does NOT anesthetize which tissue in the molar region?

Accepted Answer

Buccal gingiva of mandibular molars

Answer

The buccal gingiva of the mandibular molars is innervated by the long buccal nerve, which requires a separate buccal nerve block injection.

Question 3

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) typically becomes symptomatic within how many days after extraction?

Accepted Answer

3–5 days

Answer

Dry socket typically presents 3–5 days post-extraction when the blood clot disintegrates, leaving exposed alveolar bone and causing severe, radiating pain.

Question 4

Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for developing dry socket after tooth extraction?

Accepted Answer

Smoking tobacco

Answer

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.

Question 5

The primary treatment for dry socket (alveolar osteitis) consists of:

Accepted Answer

Gentle socket irrigation and placement of a medicated dressing

Answer

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.

NBDE - National Board Dental Examination Practice Test

NBDE - National Board Dental Examination Practice Test

NBDE Oral Surgery