Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
Core concepts
Know caries diagnosis and risk assessment, cavity classification, and the principles of minimal intervention. Understand adhesive dentistry: enamel and dentine bonding, etch-rinse versus self-etch systems, and the importance of moisture control. Know direct restorative materials (amalgam, composites, glass ionomers) and their indications, plus the properties of liners and bases.
Endodontics
Master pulp and periapical diagnosis (reversible and irreversible pulpitis, necrotic pulp, symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis, acute and chronic apical abscess). Know access, working length determination, shaping, irrigation (sodium hypochlorite with caution), and obturation. Understand when to refer for retreatment or apical surgery.
Traps
Questions test the difference between reversible and irreversible pulpitis: sharp pain provoked by cold that resolves on removal suggests reversible; spontaneous, lingering pain suggests irreversible. Another trap is using sodium hypochlorite without rubber dam or extruding it beyond the apex, which causes severe tissue damage. Do not confuse post-operative sensitivity with failed endodontics.
Rule of thumb
Diagnose before you treat: identify the pulp status and periapical status first, because the treatment plan follows the diagnosis.
Worked example
A tooth with spontaneous night pain and a periapical radiolucency: the diagnosis is irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical periodontitis, so root canal treatment is indicated, not a sedative filling.