ie-diploma-primary-care-dentistry flashcards

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

Reversible pulpitis

Inflammation of the dental pulp causing sharp pain provoked by stimuli (cold, sweet, chewing) that resolves quickly once the stimulus is removed; vitality is preserved and conservative treatment or restoration is appropriate.

Irreversible pulpitis

Pulp inflammation producing spontaneous or lingering pain, often waking the patient at night, with pain persisting after stimulus removal; management is pulpotomy, root canal treatment, or extraction.

Fluoride varnish concentration

Most professionally applied fluoride varnishes contain 22,600 ppm fluoride (5% sodium fluoride). Applied at least twice yearly for elevated caries risk, more frequently for high-risk patients.

BPE score 4

In the Basic Periodontal Examination, a sextant score of 4 indicates a probing depth of 5.5 mm or more; it mandates full periodontal charting and usually referral or specialist assessment.

Periodontal staging

Classification of periodontitis severity based on interdental clinical attachment loss at the worst site: Stage I 1–2 mm, Stage II 3–4 mm, Stage III 5 mm or more, Stage IV advanced with tooth loss.

Periodontal grading

Classification of periodontitis progression rate using the ratio of percentage radiographic bone loss to patient age, modified by risk factors such as smoking and diabetes; grades A, B, and C.

Lidocaine maximum dose

Lidocaine 2% with 1:100,000 epinephrine has a maximum dose of 4.4 mg/kg, not exceeding 300 mg total; calculate against body weight before administering local anesthesia.

Articaine maximum dose

Articaine 4% with epinephrine has a maximum dose of 7 mg/kg, capped at 500 mg total. It is contraindicated in patients with sulfite allergy or certain ester anesthetic sensitivities.

Antibiotics for pulpitis

Systemic antibiotics are not indicated for uncomplicated irreversible pulpitis or localized dentoalveolar abscess without systemic signs; definitive drainage or pulp therapy is the treatment.

Dry socket management

Alveolar osteitis after extraction is managed by gentle irrigation and placement of a medicated dressing; antibiotics are not routinely required unless systemic infection is present.

Caries risk assessment

A structured evaluation combining lesion history, sugar exposure frequency, fluoride use, saliva flow, plaque control, and medical or social factors to set recall interval and prevention intensity.

Recall interval determination

Recall frequency is risk-based rather than fixed: low-risk patients may be seen at 12–24 months, high-risk patients at 3–6 months, with reassessment after each preventive cycle.

Anaphylaxis epinephrine dose

Intramuscular epinephrine for anaphylaxis is 0.3 mg for adults (0.5 mg in some protocols) and 0.15 mg for children, injected into the anterolateral thigh and repeated after 5 minutes if needed.

Hypoglycemia management

In a conscious patient with hypoglycemia, give oral glucose or sugary drink; if unconscious, do not give oral fluids-call emergency services and administer glucagon or IV glucose per protocol.

Suspected myocardial infarction

Chest pain radiating to arm or jaw with sweating or nausea: stop treatment, sit the patient upright, give oxygen if indicated, administer aspirin 300 mg chewed, and call emergency services.

NICE antibiotic prophylaxis guidance

UK NICE guidance advises against routine antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis before dental procedures; individual cardiology advice may override in specific high-risk cases.

Infective endocarditis risk

Highest-risk groups include those with prosthetic valves, previous endocarditis, and certain congenital heart disease; prophylaxis decisions follow national guidance and cardiology consultation.

Dental unit waterlines

Waterlines must be flushed and maintained per manufacturer instructions to control biofilm and microbial load; testing ensures compliance with local water quality standards.

Handpiece sterilization

Handpieces must be cleaned, lubricated, and autoclaved between patients; they are classified as semi-critical items requiring sterilization because they contact mucosa and may retract fluids.

Sharps injury protocol

After a sharps injury: encourage bleeding, wash with soap and water, report immediately, and assess need for HIV or hepatitis B post-exposure prophylaxis per local protocol.

Smoking cessation advice

Brief advice follows the 5A model (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange); combined with nicotine replacement or pharmacotherapy it significantly improves quit rates and periodontal outcomes.

Diabetes and periodontal disease

Diabetes and periodontitis have a bidirectional relationship; poor glycemic control worsens periodontal status, and periodontal treatment may modestly improve glycemic control.

Root caries prevention

For exposed root surfaces, high-fluoride toothpaste (5,000 ppm), fluoride varnish, dietary control, and salivary substitutes reduce risk; chlorhexidine may be used short-term for high-risk patients.

Silver diamine fluoride

SDF (typically 38%) arrests active caries lesions and reduces sensitivity; it blackens arrested lesions, so consent and site selection matter, especially in aesthetic zones.

Minimum intervention dentistry

A philosophy prioritizing prevention, remineralization, and preservation of tooth structure; operative intervention is reserved for lesions that cannot be arrested or when function or aesthetics require it.

Pulp capping indications

Direct pulp capping is considered for small exposures with healthy pulp and controlled hemorrhage; calcium silicate cements (e.g., MTA) improve outcomes versus calcium hydroxide in many studies.

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