EHPLE Dental Medicine flashcards

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

Enamel composition

Enamel is about 96% mineral by weight, mainly hydroxyapatite, with little organic material and water. It is avascular and cannot regenerate after eruption because ameloblasts are lost.

Oblique periodontal fibers

The oblique fibers of the periodontal ligament are the most numerous group. They run from cementum apically and outward to bone, resisting axial occlusal forces and converting them into tension on alveolar bone.

Leukoplakia definition

Leukoplakia is a white patch or plaque that cannot be characterized clinically or pathologically as any other disease. Diagnosis is by exclusion, and biopsy determines whether dysplasia is present.

Radicular cyst

A radicular cyst is an inflammatory odontogenic cyst at the apex of a nonvital tooth. It is the most common odontogenic cyst and appears as a well-defined periapical radiolucency.

Critical pH for enamel

The critical pH for enamel demineralization is approximately 5.5, while dentin demineralizes near 6.2. Below these values, hydroxyapatite dissolves faster than it can be remineralized.

Class II cavity

A Class II cavity involves the proximal surface of a posterior tooth. It may include the occlusal surface as a dovetail for retention and is restored with amalgam, composite, or indirect restorations.

Apical constriction

The apical constriction is the narrowest point of the root canal near the cementodentinal junction. Working length is usually set 0.5 to 1.0 mm short of the radiographic apex.

Sodium hypochlorite irrigation

Sodium hypochlorite is the main endodontic irrigant. It dissolves necrotic tissue and kills microorganisms. It must not be mixed with chlorhexidine because a harmful precipitate forms.

Clinical attachment level

Clinical attachment level is the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the periodontal pocket. It equals probing depth plus recession and reflects true attachment loss.

Peri-implant mucositis

Peri-implant mucositis is reversible inflammation of the soft tissue around an implant with bleeding on probing but no progressive bone loss. Peri-implantitis adds bone loss and requires treatment.

Ante's law

Ante's law states that the combined root surface area of the abutment teeth should equal or exceed that of the tooth or teeth being replaced in a fixed partial denture.

Residual ridge resorption

After tooth extraction, the alveolar ridge resorbs fastest in the first year. Mandibular resorption continues downward and outward, while maxillary resorption proceeds upward and inward.

Alveolar osteitis

Alveolar osteitis, or dry socket, occurs two to four days after extraction with severe throbbing pain and an empty socket. Treatment is irrigation and a medicated dressing, not routine antibiotics.

Ludwig's angina

Ludwig's angina is a bilateral cellulitis of the submandibular and sublingual spaces, often from a lower molar infection. It threatens the airway and requires urgent drainage and antibiotics.

ANB angle

The ANB angle is formed by the SNA and SNB cephalometric angles. It reflects the anteroposterior jaw relationship; a normal value is about two to four degrees.

Cervical vertebral maturation

Cervical vertebral maturation assessed on lateral cephalograms estimates skeletal age. It helps time growth modification and orthodontic treatment around the pubertal growth spurt.

Early childhood caries

Early childhood caries affects primary teeth, typically maxillary incisors first, in children with frequent sugar exposure. Mandibular incisors are often spared because of tongue protection and saliva.

Pulpotomy in primary teeth

A pulpotomy removes the inflamed coronal pulp and preserves the vital radicular pulp in a primary molar. It is indicated when inflammation is limited to the coronal tissue.

Paralleling technique

The paralleling technique places the film or sensor parallel to the tooth's long axis and the beam perpendicular to it. It minimizes distortion and is preferred for periapical radiographs.

ALARA principle

ALARA means keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable. It is applied through collimation, proper technique, digital sensors, and avoiding unnecessary repeat exposures.

Lidocaine maximum dose

The maximum dose of lidocaine is about 4.4 mg/kg, up to 300 mg in adults. A 2% solution contains 20 mg per mL, so dose must be calculated by patient weight.

Amoxicillin for odontogenic infection

Amoxicillin 500 mg three times daily is first-line for odontogenic infections. Penicillin allergy calls for clindamycin or azithromycin, and metronidazole adds anaerobic coverage.

Vasovagal syncope management

Syncope is managed by placing the patient supine with legs elevated, maintaining the airway, and monitoring pulse and breathing. Recovery is usually rapid once cerebral perfusion improves.

Anaphylaxis epinephrine dose

Anaphylaxis in adults is treated with 0.3 to 0.5 mg of intramuscular epinephrine at 1:1000, repeated every 5 to 15 minutes as needed, along with oxygen and emergency services.

Informed consent elements

Informed consent requires disclosure of the diagnosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and the patient's voluntary agreement. It is an ongoing process, not just a signature.

Standard precautions

Standard precautions apply to all patients regardless of diagnosis. They include hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, safe sharps handling, and sterilization of reusable instruments.

Cusp of Carabelli

The cusp of Carabelli is an accessory cusp on the mesiolingual surface of the maxillary first permanent molar. It is a normal anatomic variant and is not pathologic.

Ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive odontogenic tumor, most often in the posterior mandible. It shows a soap-bubble radiolucency and is treated with resection and margins.

Fluoride varnish

Fluoride varnish, usually 5% sodium fluoride, is applied to tooth surfaces every three to six months to prevent caries. It is safe for young children and reduces demineralization.

Electronic apex locator

An electronic apex locator measures electrical impedance changes to locate the apical constriction. It remains useful in the presence of blood or exudate but can be affected by metallic contacts.

Supportive periodontal therapy

Supportive periodontal therapy consists of periodic recall visits with reassessment, professional cleaning, and reinforcement of oral hygiene. Intervals of three to six months reduce recurrence and tooth loss.

Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the direct structural and functional connection between living bone and an implant surface. It requires primary stability and minimal micromotion during healing.