Practice Test Geeks(ABE) American Board of Endodontics Practice Test
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Endodontic Materials 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 Endodontic Materials flashcards as text

  1. EDTA is used as an endodontic irrigant primarily for its ability to:

    Answer: Remove the smear layer by chelating calcium from dentin

    EDTA chelates calcium ions from dentinal hydroxyapatite, effectively removing the inorganic component of the smear layer.

  2. The working length of a nickel-titanium rotary file is typically confirmed using:

    Answer: Electronic apex locators and radiographic confirmation

    A combination of electronic apex locators and periapical radiographs provides the most accurate and reliable working length determination.

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

    Answer: Sodium hypochlorite 5.25%

    Sodium hypochlorite is the only endodontic irrigant with tissue-dissolving capability, making it superior for removing pulp remnants.

  4. Biodentine differs from ProRoot MTA primarily in its:

    Answer: Much faster setting time due to calcium chloride accelerator

    Biodentine contains calcium chloride as an accelerator in its liquid component, reducing setting time to approximately 12 minutes versus several hours for MTA.

  5. The alpha phase of gutta-percha differs from the beta phase in that it:

    Answer: Is found in the naturally occurring form in the Palaquium tree

    Alpha-phase gutta-percha occurs naturally in the Palaquium tree and has a higher melting point, while beta-phase is used in clinical endodontic cones.

  6. When mixing zinc oxide eugenol cement for an interim restoration, increasing the powder-to-liquid ratio will result in:

    Answer: Shorter setting time and increased compressive strength

    A higher powder-to-liquid ratio accelerates the zinc oxide eugenol reaction and increases the final compressive strength of the set material.

  7. The primary function of the smear layer removal protocol (NaOCl followed by EDTA) in endodontics is to:

    Answer: Improve sealer penetration into dentinal tubules

    Removing the smear layer exposes dentinal tubules and allows sealer to penetrate more deeply, improving the quality of the obturation seal.