NBDHE Dental Hygiene Flashcards

Which of the following is true about a root's hypersensitivity decreasing as the tooth develops?

Answer: Cellular cementum

Root hypersensitivity is typically caused by exposed dentin tubules. As a tooth matures and in response to stimuli like recession, cellular cementum can be deposited over the exposed dentin surface. This layer of cementum acts as a protective barrier, occluding the dentin tubules and thereby reducing or eliminating the sensitivity to external stimuli.

Which nerve supplies the intrinsic tongue muscles?

Answer: Hypoglossal

The Hypoglossal nerve (Cranial Nerve XII) is primarily a motor nerve that controls the movements of the tongue. It provides motor innervation to all the intrinsic muscles of the tongue, which are responsible for changing the tongue's shape, and most of the extrinsic muscles, which move the tongue. Dysfunction of this nerve would impair tongue movement.

All of the above methods, with the exception of ____________, are frequently used to introduce fluoride.

Answer: Injection

Fluoride is commonly introduced to prevent dental caries through various methods, including topical applications like toothpaste and mouthwash, and systemic ingestion via fluoridated drinking water or dietary supplements. However, fluoride is not administered by injection for the purpose of preventing dental caries. Injection is not a standard or effective method for delivering fluoride to the tooth surface for caries prevention.

When gingivitis is considered to be under control

Answer: there's no bleeding around the gums

Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition of the gums, and one of its hallmark clinical signs is bleeding upon probing or brushing. When gingivitis is successfully brought under control, the inflammation resolves, and the gum tissues become healthy, firm, and no longer bleed easily. Therefore, the absence of bleeding around the gums is a key indicator that the gingivitis is under control and the periodontal health has improved.

The purpose of radiographic enhancing screens is

Answer: reducing the patient dose

Radiographic enhancing screens contain phosphors that convert X-ray energy into visible light, which then exposes the film. This process significantly amplifies the effect of the X-rays, meaning less radiation is needed to produce a diagnostic image. By requiring a lower dose of X-rays, these screens effectively reduce the patient's exposure to radiation.

What qualifies as an overdenture's defining feature?

Answer: Natural teeth remain

An overdenture is a type of removable denture that is designed to fit over and be supported by a small number of remaining natural teeth or dental implants. The presence of these natural teeth or implants is its defining feature, as they provide stability, retention, and help preserve the underlying alveolar bone. This distinguishes it from conventional complete dentures, which replace all natural teeth.

One of the main causes of a root canal is which of the following?

Answer: The pulp can't be fixed

A root canal is performed when the dental pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected. If the pulp is severely damaged and cannot heal on its own, it must be removed to prevent further infection and save the tooth. While issues like a cracked tooth or deep cavity can lead to pulp damage, the ultimate reason for a root canal is the irreversible and irreparable state of the pulp.