DOH Dentist Exam flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Enamel composition

96% mineral by weight (hydroxyapatite), 1% organic (amelogenins), 3% water; hardest tissue in body, avascular and unable to regenerate.

Dentin permeability

Dentinal tubules contain odontoblast processes and fluid; permeability increases toward pulp due to tubule convergence and diameter; sensitive when exposed.

Pulp blood flow

Approximately 0.5 mL/min/g, among highest in body; pulp pressure 10–20 mmHg; low compliance leads to rapid necrosis with inflammation.

Periodontal ligament width

0.15–0.38 mm, narrowest in middle third; contains principal fibers that attach cementum to alveolar bone and transmit occlusal forces.

Salivary buffer system

Bicarbonate is primary buffer; phosphate and proteins contribute; stimulated saliva flow increases pH and buffering capacity, reducing caries risk.

Caries triad

Requires susceptible host, cariogenic bacteria (mutans streptococci, lactobacilli), and fermentable carbohydrates over time; all three must be present.

Maxillary first molar anatomy

Three roots (MB, DB, palatal) and typically four canals (MB1, MB2, DB, palatal); MB2 prevalence ~60–80%; palatal root largest and straightest.

Composite shrinkage

Methacrylate composites shrink 2–3% during polymerization; stress reduced by incremental layering ≤2 mm, soft-start curing, and low C-factor configurations.

Working length determination

Apex locator plus radiograph; file tip 0.5–1.0 mm short of radiographic apex; confirms patency and prevents over/under-instrumentation.

Sodium hypochlorite irrigation

0.5–5.25% NaOCl dissolves organic tissue and is antimicrobial; used with EDTA 17% to remove smear layer; avoid extrusion and chlorhexidine mixing.

Cavity classification

G.V. Black: Class I pits/fissures; II proximal posterior; III proximal anterior; IV incisal angle; V gingival third; VI incisal edge tip.

Obturation apical seal

Gutta-percha with sealer placed 0.5–1.0 mm from radiographic apex; warm vertical compaction provides three-dimensional fill and coronal seal.

Lidocaine maximum dose

4.4 mg/kg without epinephrine; 7 mg/kg with epinephrine; 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine = 36 mg; calculate based on patient weight.

Dry socket

Alveolar osteitis with severe pain 2–4 days post-extraction, empty socket, exposed bone; treat with irrigation and eugenol-based medicated dressing.

Erythroplakia

Red velvety patch with highest malignant transformation rate among oral potentially malignant disorders; requires biopsy and urgent referral.

Trigeminal neuralgia

Paroxysmal sharp pain in V2/V3 distribution triggered by touch; first-line carbamazepine; often confused with odontogenic pain.

Ludwig's angina

Bilateral infection of submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces; floor of mouth elevation, airway compromise; surgical emergency requiring drainage and antibiotics.

Periodontal staging

2017 AAP/EFP: Stage I–IV based on severity (attachment loss, bone loss) and complexity (probing depth, tooth loss, furcation); guides treatment.

Periodontal grading

Grade A–C based on progression rate: bone loss/age ratio <0.25 (A), 0.25–1.0 (B), >1.0 (C); modified by smoking and diabetes.

Clinical attachment loss

Distance from cementoenamel junction to base of periodontal pocket; calculated as probing depth plus recession (or minus hyperplasia); key for staging.

Peri-implant mucositis

Bleeding on probing around implant without bone loss; reversible with improved plaque control; distinct from peri-implantitis.

Supportive periodontal therapy

Recall every 3–6 months for periodontitis patients; includes reassessment, plaque control, and risk factor management; reduces tooth loss.

Ante's law

Root surface area of abutment teeth must equal or exceed that of teeth being replaced for fixed partial denture success; guides abutment selection.

Kennedy classification

Class I bilateral posterior edentulous; II unilateral posterior; III unilateral bounded posterior; IV anterior single edentulous space crossing midline.

Implant success criteria

Albrektsson: no mobility, no radiolucency, bone loss <0.2 mm/year after first year, no pain/infection, function ≥5 years.

Balanced occlusion

Bilateral simultaneous contacts in centric and eccentric movements in complete dentures; lingualized occlusion may improve stability and retention.

Denture stomatitis

Chronic erythema of denture-bearing mucosa associated with Candida albicans; treat with denture hygiene, antifungal, and removal at night.

Angle Class II

Mesiobuccal cusp of maxillary first molar occludes mesial to buccal groove of mandibular first molar; can be division 1 or 2.

Cephalometric ANB angle

Difference between SNA and SNB; normal ~2°; indicates skeletal Class I (2°), Class II (>4°), or Class III (<0°).

Fluoride varnish

5% sodium fluoride (22,600 ppm) applied every 3–6 months for high caries risk children; reduces caries incidence; safe and well tolerated.

Pulpotomy in primary molars

Removal of coronal pulp, retention of radicular pulp; formocresol or ferric sulfate; indicated for reversible pulpitis; stainless steel crown restoration.

DMFT index

Count of Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth; dmft for primary dentition; DMFS for surfaces; measures caries experience in populations.

Informed consent elements

Capacity, disclosure of risks/benefits/alternatives, understanding, voluntariness; documented in writing; essential for ethical and legal practice.