Diagnostic & Treatment Planning Techniques Flashcards

A patient reports sensitivity to cold that lingers for 20 seconds after stimulus removal. Which pulpal diagnosis is MOST likely?

Answer: Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis

Lingering cold sensitivity lasting more than a few seconds after removal indicates symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Which radiographic technique BEST minimizes geometric distortion when imaging the periapical region?

Answer: Paralleling technique

The paralleling technique places the film/sensor parallel to the long axis of the tooth, minimizing distortion.

A treatment plan is sequenced into phases. Which phase includes definitive restorative procedures?

Answer: Definitive phase

The definitive phase includes final restorations, prosthetics, implants, and other comprehensive treatments after disease is controlled.

Which of the following is a CONTRAINDICATION to taking a full-mouth series of periapical radiographs?

Answer: An edentulous patient with no signs or symptoms

A symptom-free edentulous patient rarely benefits from a full-mouth periapical series; a panoramic image is more appropriate.

During charting, a furcation involvement is detected where the probe penetrates into but does not pass through the furcation. This is classified as:

Answer: Class II furcation

Class II furcation involvement means the probe enters the furcation but cannot pass completely through.

A patient's chief complaint is a clicking sound in the right TMJ upon opening. The BEST initial diagnostic step is:

Answer: Conducting a comprehensive TMJ and muscle palpation examination

A thorough clinical examination including joint and muscle palpation is the first step in TMD diagnosis.

The DMFT index measures caries experience in permanent teeth. The 'M' component represents:

Answer: Missing teeth due to caries only

In the DMFT index, 'M' counts only teeth missing due to caries, not extractions for other reasons.