Endodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Flashcards

A patient reports lingering pain to cold stimulation lasting more than 30 seconds in an otherwise intact tooth. What is the most appropriate treatment?

Answer: Root canal treatment

Lingering pain to cold lasting >30 seconds is a classic sign of irreversible pulpitis, which requires endodontic treatment to resolve.

EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is used in endodontics primarily to:

Answer: Remove the smear layer by chelating calcium

EDTA is a chelating agent that removes the inorganic smear layer from dentinal walls, improving sealer penetration into dentinal tubules.

Which of the following is a contraindication to single-visit root canal treatment?

Answer: Acute apical abscess with systemic involvement

Acute apical abscess with systemic signs (fever, lymphadenopathy) is a contraindication to completing single-visit RCT, often requiring drainage and antibiotics first.

The 'S-shaped' root canal curvature most commonly seen in which tooth?

Answer: Mandibular second premolar

The mandibular second premolar frequently has a dilacerated or S-shaped root, making canal navigation and instrumentation challenging.

During retreatment, which solvent is most commonly used to soften gutta-percha for removal?

Answer: Chloroform or eucalyptol

Chloroform or eucalyptol softens gutta-percha to facilitate its removal during endodontic retreatment.

A 'phoenix abscess' refers to which clinical scenario?

Answer: An abscess developing on a previously asymptomatic necrotic tooth

A phoenix abscess is an acute exacerbation occurring in a tooth with chronic apical periodontitis or a pre-existing periapical lesion, often triggered by instrumentation.

Which rotary file system design feature most reduces the risk of canal transportation in curved canals?

Answer: Non-cutting safety tip with flexible NiTi alloy

Non-cutting safety tips prevent apical ledging while flexible NiTi alloy allows files to follow canal curvature, reducing transportation risk.