NBDE Trivia 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which cell type is responsible for the deposition of secondary dentin throughout life?
- Ameloblasts
- Cementoblasts
- Odontoblasts (Correct answer)
- Fibroblasts
Correct answer: Odontoblasts
Odontoblasts remain viable throughout life and continuously produce secondary (physiologic) dentin.
Question 2: In removable partial denture design, which component prevents vertical displacement of the denture toward soft tissue?
- Clasp arm
- Rest (Correct answer)
- Major connector
- Retentive tip
Correct answer: Rest
Rests (occlusal, cingulum, or incisal) provide vertical support by transmitting occlusal forces to the abutment teeth.
Question 3: Which artery is the primary blood supply to the mandible?
- Facial artery
- Lingual artery
- Inferior alveolar artery (Correct answer)
- Mental artery
Correct answer: Inferior alveolar artery
The inferior alveolar artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, is the principal blood supply to the mandible.
Question 4: Which medication is considered the first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate acute dental pain in patients without contraindications?
- Codeine
- Ibuprofen (Correct answer)
- Acetaminophen with codeine
- Tramadol
Correct answer: Ibuprofen
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are recommended as first-line analgesics for acute dental pain due to their anti-inflammatory mechanism.
Question 5: What is the approximate pH at which enamel demineralization begins?
- 6.5
- 5.5 (Correct answer)
- 4.5
- 7.0
Correct answer: 5.5
Enamel begins to demineralize at a critical pH of approximately 5.5, known as the critical pH for enamel.
Question 6: Which cranial nerve provides sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?
- Cranial nerve VII (facial)
- Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal)
- Cranial nerve V3 (mandibular division of trigeminal) (Correct answer)
- Cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal)
Correct answer: Cranial nerve V3 (mandibular division of trigeminal)
General somatic sensation of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is carried by the lingual nerve, a branch of V3.
Question 7: Ankylosis of a primary tooth most commonly causes which clinical problem?
- Premature exfoliation
- Infraocclusion and impaction of the successor (Correct answer)
- Pulp necrosis
- Root resorption of adjacent teeth
Correct answer: Infraocclusion and impaction of the successor
Ankylosed primary teeth become submerged (infraoccluded) as surrounding bone grows, potentially blocking eruption of the permanent successor.
NBDE Trivia 3
Which cell type is responsible for the deposition of secondary dentin throughout life?