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. When using the 'balanced force' technique for root canal preparation, the sequence of motions is:

    Answer: 90° clockwise to engage, 120–180° counterclockwise with apical pressure, then clockwise to release

    The balanced force technique uses a clockwise quarter-turn to engage dentin, followed by a counterclockwise rotation with apical pressure to cut and remove debris.

  2. Which of the following best describes the concept of 'apical patency' in endodontic treatment?

    Answer: Keeping the foramen open and free of debris with a small file

    Apical patency refers to maintaining an open, debris-free apical foramen by passively passing a small file (e.g., #10 K-file) through the constricture.

  3. EDTA is used in root canal preparation primarily to:

    Answer: Remove the smear layer by chelating calcium ions

    EDTA chelates calcium ions in mineralized dentin, effectively removing the inorganic component of the smear layer.

  4. A radiograph of a maxillary first molar shows a well-defined radiolucency associated with the MB root that does not respond to vitality testing. Probing depths are within normal limits. This most likely represents:

    Answer: Periapical granuloma

    A well-defined periapical radiolucency on a non-vital tooth with normal probing is classically a periapical granuloma, the most common periapical lesion.

  5. The master apical file (MAF) size is typically selected to achieve which goal?

    Answer: Be at least three sizes larger than the first file that binds at working length

    The MAF is typically selected to be at least three ISO sizes larger than the first file that binds at working length, ensuring adequate canal shaping.

  6. Which of the following root morphologies is most commonly associated with missed canals in mandibular incisors?

    Answer: Two canals joining apically into one (Vertucci Type II)

    Mandibular incisors frequently exhibit a Vertucci Type II configuration (2-1), where two canals merge into one near the apex, making the second canal easy to miss.

  7. When performing warm vertical compaction, the 'fit' of the master gutta-percha cone is most critical at which location?

    Answer: The apical 3–5 mm (apical stop)

    The master cone must have 'tug-back' resistance at the apical stop (apical 3–5 mm) to ensure proper apical seal during warm vertical compaction.