Endodontics and Pulp Therapy Flashcards
6 cards from real MJDF 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 and Pulp Therapy flashcards as text
Which of the following best describes the 'working length' in root canal treatment?
Answer: The distance from a coronal reference point to the working terminus, typically 0.5-1mm short of the radiographic apex
Working length is measured from a coronal reference point to the working terminus (typically 0.5-1mm short of the radiographic/anatomical apex) to avoid instrumentation beyond the apex into periapical tissues.
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is used as an irrigant in root canal treatment primarily because it:
Answer: Has antimicrobial properties and can dissolve organic (pulp) tissue
Sodium hypochlorite is the primary endodontic irrigant due to its ability to kill bacteria and dissolve vital and necrotic organic tissue (pulp remnants), which no other irrigant can do.
A patient presents with irreversible pulpitis. Which of the following best describes the appropriate clinical management?
Answer: Perform pulp extirpation (root canal treatment initiation) or extraction
Irreversible pulpitis indicates that the inflamed pulp cannot recover. Definitive treatment requires either root canal treatment (to remove the pulp and preserve the tooth) or extraction.
Which obturation material is most commonly used for filling the root canal in standard adult endodontic treatment?
Answer: Gutta-percha with a root canal sealer
Gutta-percha (a biocompatible thermoplastic material) in combination with a root canal sealer is the gold standard for root canal obturation, providing a dense, hermetic three-dimensional fill of the prepared canal space.
What is the significance of Enterococcus faecalis in endodontics?
Answer: It is a resistant organism frequently associated with failed root canal treatments and persistent periapical infections
Enterococcus faecalis is a facultative anaerobe that is highly resistant to intracanal medicaments including calcium hydroxide. It is disproportionately found in failed root canal cases, making it a key target in retreatment.
In the context of vital pulp therapy in a mature permanent tooth, which material is currently preferred for direct pulp capping?
Answer: Calcium silicate-based materials (e.g., MTA or Biodentine)
Calcium silicate-based materials (mineral trioxide aggregate — MTA and Biodentine) have replaced calcium hydroxide as the preferred material for direct pulp capping due to superior dentine bridge formation, biocompatibility, and sealing ability.