NDECC flashcards

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

Reversible pulpitis

A mild, transient pulpal inflammation provoked by thermal or mechanical stimuli and relieved promptly when the stimulus is removed. The pulp remains vital and typically returns to normal after removal of the irritant and appropriate restoration.

Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis

Spontaneous, lingering pain that persists after stimulus removal, indicating pulpal damage beyond repair. Vital pulp therapy is generally not predictable, and root canal treatment or extraction is indicated.

Condensing osteitis

A localized area of increased radiopacity in periapical bone, representing a chronic low-grade inflammatory response to a longstanding low-virulence pulpal infection. It is most common in posterior mandibular teeth.

Ferrule effect

A circumferential collar of at least 1.5 to 2 mm of sound dentin coronal to the preparation shoulder that encircles the tooth. It resists lever forces and improves fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth.

Crown-root ratio

The ratio of the length of tooth crown supported by bone to the length of root embedded in bone. A 1:1 ratio is favorable; worse than 2:1 suggests reduced long-term periodontal prognosis.

ASA physical status

A classification of preoperative medical fitness: ASA I healthy, II mild systemic disease, III severe disease, IV incapacitating disease, V moribund. Higher classes generally require medical consultation before elective dental care.

Working length

The distance from a coronal reference point to the apical preparation terminus, typically 0.5 to 1.0 mm short of the radiographic apex. It is established with an apex locator and confirmed radiographically.

Smear layer

A layer of dentin debris and collagen formed during instrumentation that occludes dentinal tubules. It is removed with EDTA irrigation to permit disinfectant penetration and improve sealer adaptation.

Cuspal coverage

A restoration design that covers one or more cusps to resist fracture, indicated for endodontically treated posterior teeth, cracked teeth, and teeth with loss of marginal ridge integrity.

Sodium hypochlorite accident

Extrusion of irrigant beyond the apex causing sudden severe pain, immediate swelling, and possible tissue necrosis. Management includes stopping irrigation, rinsing with saline, and supportive care.

Clinical attachment loss

The distance from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the periodontal pocket, calculated as probing depth plus gingival recession. It is the primary measure used to stage periodontitis severity.

Periodontal grading

A measure of periodontitis progression rate based on bone loss relative to age, with Grade A under 0.25, Grade B from 0.25 to 1.0, and Grade C above 1.0.

Glickman furcation classification

A grading of furcation involvement from Grade I (incipient bone loss) through Grade IV (through-and-through with visible recession). Grades III and IV generally have poor long-term prognosis without surgical therapy.

Alveolar osteitis

Also called dry socket, a painful complication 2 to 4 days after extraction caused by loss of the blood clot. The socket appears empty with exposed bone; treatment is palliative irrigation and dressing placement.

Leukoplakia

A predominantly white patch or plaque that cannot be characterized clinically or pathologically as any other disease. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and an oral potentially malignant disorder requiring biopsy evaluation.

MRONJ

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: exposed bone for more than 8 weeks in a patient on antiresorptive or antiangiogenic therapy without head and neck radiation history. Prevention includes avoiding elective surgery during high-risk periods.

Maximum recommended dose

The weight-based limit of local anesthetic that can be administered safely. For lidocaine 2% with epinephrine 1:100,000, the limit is 7 mg/kg, approximately 500 mg in a healthy adult.

Posterior palatal seal

The area of the maxillary denture that compresses tissue near the vibrating line to provide retention and a seal. It must lie on immovable tissue and is established during the final impression.

Bilateral balanced occlusion

An occlusal arrangement in complete dentures where contacts occur simultaneously on both sides in lateral excursions. It improves stability and reduces tipping forces on the denture bases.

Neutral zone

The potential space between the lips, cheeks, and tongue where forces from these structures are balanced. Arranging denture teeth within this zone improves stability in resorbed ridges.

Freeway space

The difference between vertical dimension at rest and vertical dimension of occlusion, normally 2 to 4 mm. It is used to verify that the proposed occlusal vertical dimension is appropriate.

Angle Class II

A malocclusion where the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar occludes mesial to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar. Division 1 has proclined incisors; division 2 has retroclined centrals.

Demirjian method

A dental age estimation technique that scores the mineralization stages of seven mandibular left teeth on a panoramic radiograph, producing a maturity score converted to dental age.

Tell-show-do

A behavior guidance technique where the clinician explains the procedure in child-friendly terms, demonstrates the components, and then performs it. It reduces anxiety and builds cooperation in pediatric patients.

Mandatory reporting

A legal obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect, and in many jurisdictions elder abuse or certain communicable diseases, to designated authorities despite confidentiality obligations.

Implied consent

Consent inferred from a patient's actions or from circumstances requiring urgent care, such as emergency treatment of an unconscious patient. It applies when explicit informed consent cannot reasonably be obtained.

Veracity

The ethical principle requiring truthfulness with patients, including honest disclosure of diagnosis, prognosis, errors, and treatment limitations. It supports trust and informed decision-making.

Biological spore testing

Weekly monitoring of sterilizers using bacterial spores, such as Geobacillus stearothermophilus for steam autoclaves, to verify that sterilization conditions were achieved and the load is sterile.

Critical item classification

An instrument or device that enters sterile tissue or the vascular system, such as surgical instruments and scalers. Critical items must be sterilized before reuse between patients.

Sharps container placement

Puncture-resistant, labeled containers must be located at the point of use, replaced when three-quarters full, and never overfilled. Hand recapping of needles is prohibited.

Number needed to treat

The reciprocal of the absolute risk reduction, representing the number of patients who must be treated to prevent one additional adverse outcome. Lower NNT values indicate greater clinical benefit.

Positive predictive value

The probability that a patient with a positive test result truly has the disease. Unlike sensitivity and specificity, PPV depends on disease prevalence in the tested population.