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. Which of the following is the MOST reliable method to confirm working length during root canal treatment?

    Answer: Electronic apex locator (EAL) confirmed with periapical radiograph

    Combining an electronic apex locator reading with periapical radiographic confirmation provides the most reliable working length determination.

  2. Sodium hypochlorite accident (extrusion into periapical tissues) is managed initially by:

    Answer: Copious saline irrigation through the canal and cold compresses; supportive management

    Initial management of a sodium hypochlorite accident includes copious saline irrigation to dilute the bleach, cold compresses, analgesics, and close monitoring.

  3. Vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth most commonly present with which radiographic finding?

    Answer: 'Halo' or 'J-shaped' radiolucency along the lateral root surface

    Vertical root fractures characteristically produce a 'halo' or 'J-shaped' radiolucency along the lateral root surface due to bone loss on both sides of the fracture.

  4. The use of chlorhexidine as a final irrigant after sodium hypochlorite is contraindicated primarily because:

    Answer: The combination forms a brown precipitate (parachloroaniline) that may occlude tubules

    Mixing sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine produces a brown precipitate (parachloroaniline) that can occlude dentinal tubules and interfere with the canal seal.

  5. The primary advantage of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments over stainless steel hand files is:

    Answer: Superelasticity allowing better canal centering and reduced transportation in curved canals

    NiTi's superelastic property allows the instrument to flex in curved canals while maintaining its original shape, minimizing canal transportation.

  6. Which microorganism is most frequently isolated from root-filled teeth with persistent periapical infection?

    Answer: Enterococcus faecalis

    Enterococcus faecalis is the dominant species found in failed root canal treatments due to its resistance to calcium hydroxide, starvation, and antiseptic agents.

  7. A mandibular first molar has an additional distal canal (DD configuration). On which surface of the distal root would the second distal canal orifice most likely be located?

    Answer: Lingual to the primary distal canal

    In mandibular molars with a distolingual (DL) canal, the second distal orifice is typically located lingually relative to the primary distobuccal canal orifice.