Practice Test Geeks(ABE) American Board of Endodontics Practice Test
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Clinical Endodontics Flashcards

7 cards from real ABE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Clinical Endodontics flashcards as text

  1. A patient presents with a maxillary first molar requiring retreatment. CBCT reveals a separated instrument in the apical third of the MB2 canal. What is the most appropriate initial management?

    Answer: Bypass the fragment and obturate around it if periapical healing is present

    When periapical pathology is absent and bypassing a separated instrument is possible, obturation around it is a viable and often successful approach.

  2. Which irrigant is most effective at dissolving necrotic pulp tissue remnants in the root canal system?

    Answer: Sodium hypochlorite 5.25%

    Sodium hypochlorite is the only endodontic irrigant capable of dissolving organic tissue, making it the gold standard for pulp tissue dissolution.

  3. A patient has a sinus tract traced to a maxillary lateral incisor with a normal periodontal probing depth but a non-vital pulp. What is the most likely diagnosis?

    Answer: Pulp necrosis with chronic apical abscess

    A sinus tract traced to a tooth with pulp necrosis and normal periodontal probing indicates a chronic apical abscess of endodontic origin.

  4. During instrumentation of a mandibular molar, the working length suddenly increases by 3 mm. This most likely indicates:

    Answer: Apical perforation

    A sudden increase in working length during instrumentation is the classic sign of an apical perforation.

  5. Which pulp capping material is considered the current gold standard for direct pulp capping in a mature permanent tooth?

    Answer: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)

    MTA is considered the current gold standard for direct pulp capping due to its superior biocompatibility, sealing ability, and dentinal bridge formation.

  6. A patient reports pain upon biting down on a mandibular premolar. The tooth has a full-coverage crown, tests vital with cold, and has no periapical pathology on radiograph. The most likely diagnosis is:

    Answer: Cracked tooth syndrome

    Sharp pain on biting with a vital tooth, full crown, and no radiographic changes is characteristic of cracked tooth syndrome.

  7. The phenomenon of 'phoenix abscess' refers to:

    Answer: An acute exacerbation of a chronic periapical lesion

    A phoenix abscess is an acute exacerbation of a pre-existing chronic periapical lesion, often triggered by mechanical disturbance during treatment.