Periodontics and Endodontics Flashcards
7 cards from real NBDE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Periodontics and Endodontics flashcards as text
Which furcation classification indicates that a probe can pass completely through the furcation from one side to the other?
Answer: Class III
Class III furcation involvement means the probe passes completely through the furcation (through-and-through), indicating complete bone loss in the furcation area.
A patient presents with a 'cracked tooth.' Which pulp diagnosis is MOST likely if the crack extends into the pulp chamber?
Answer: Irreversible pulpitis
A crack extending into the pulp chamber typically causes irreversible pulpitis due to bacterial contamination and inflammation that cannot resolve.
What is the primary goal of scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis?
Answer: Removal of calculus and bacterial biofilm to reduce inflammation
Scaling and root planing aims to remove calculus and bacterial biofilm from root surfaces to reduce periodontal inflammation and promote tissue healing.
Which irrigant is used during root canal treatment primarily for its ability to dissolve organic tissue?
Answer: Sodium hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most widely used endodontic irrigant because of its unique ability to dissolve organic tissue including pulp remnants and necrotic debris.
In periodontal disease, which cell type is primarily responsible for releasing collagenase that destroys the periodontal ligament?
Answer: Neutrophils
Neutrophils release collagenase (matrix metalloproteinases) as part of the host inflammatory response, which inadvertently destroys collagen in the periodontal ligament.
A patient has a sinus tract that leads to a periapical abscess. What is the appropriate treatment?
Answer: Root canal treatment of the offending tooth
A sinus tract from a periapical abscess is treated by performing root canal therapy on the source tooth, which eliminates the infection causing the sinus tract.
Which periodontal fiber group runs perpendicular to the root surface and is the principal fiber group resisting intrusive forces?
Answer: Oblique fibers
The oblique fiber group, the largest periodontal ligament fiber group, runs at a 45-degree angle and is primarily responsible for resisting vertical/intrusive occlusal forces.