Endodontics Flashcards
6 cards from real INBDE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Endodontics flashcards as text
Which material is most commonly used as an intracanal medicament between appointments in root canal therapy?
Answer: Calcium hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide is the most widely used intracanal medicament because its high pH (~12.5) is bactericidal, promotes periapical healing, and prevents reinfection between visits.
What is the primary purpose of EDTA in root canal treatment?
Answer: Removal of the smear layer (chelation of inorganic components)
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) chelates calcium ions in the smear layer and dentinal walls, removing the inorganic component to open dentinal tubules.
A maxillary first molar most commonly has how many canals?
Answer: 4
The maxillary first molar typically has 3 roots and most commonly 4 canals (2 in the mesiobuccal root — MB1 and MB2, 1 in the distobuccal, 1 in the palatal).
Internal root resorption appears radiographically as:
Answer: A symmetric oval or round radiolucency within the root canal space
Internal resorption appears as a smooth, round-to-oval radiolucent enlargement within the root canal, caused by clastic cells activated within the pulp.
What is the working length in endodontics?
Answer: The distance from a reference point to the apical constriction where instrumentation ends
Working length is the measured distance from an occlusal/incisal reference point to the apical stop (apical constriction), establishing the limit of instrumentation.
Which bacteria is most commonly found in failed root canal treatments?
Answer: Enterococcus faecalis
Enterococcus faecalis is the most frequently isolated organism in failed root canals due to its ability to survive in the alkaline environment created by calcium hydroxide.