INI-CET MDS flashcards

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

Cusp of Carabelli

An accessory cusp located on the mesiolingual surface of the permanent maxillary first molar; it is a normal anatomic variant and not a sign of pathology.

Universal tooth numbering

A system using numbers 1-32 for permanent teeth, beginning with the maxillary right third molar as tooth 1 and ending with the mandibular right third molar as tooth 32.

Hunter-Schreger bands

Alternating light and dark bands seen in ground sections of enamel, caused by changes in rod direction; they represent decussation of enamel rods and increase resistance to fracture.

Epithelial rests of Malassez

Remnants of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath in the periodontal ligament; they can proliferate to form radicular cysts or periapical pathology after pulp necrosis.

Odontogenic keratocyst

A developmental cyst lined by parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium with a corrugated surface and palisaded basal layer; it has a high recurrence rate and is associated with PTCH1 mutations.

Streptococcus mutans

A Gram-positive cariogenic bacterium that adheres to tooth surfaces, produces glucosyltransferases to form insoluble glucans, and is both acidogenic and aciduric, driving dental caries.

Nikolsky sign

A clinical sign in which gentle lateral pressure on mucosa causes the epithelium to separate; it is positive in pemphigus vulgaris and indicates intraepithelial blistering.

Trigeminal neuralgia

A disorder causing paroxysmal lancinating facial pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve, often triggered by touch or chewing; carbamazepine is first-line therapy.

Cone beam computed tomography

A three-dimensional imaging modality used in dentistry for implant planning, impacted teeth, and endodontic anatomy; it delivers a lower dose than medical CT but higher than panoramic radiography.

Bitewing radiograph

An intraoral radiograph showing crowns of maxillary and mandibular teeth in one image; it is the preferred view for detecting interproximal caries and assessing alveolar bone levels.

Working length

The distance from a coronal reference point to the apical constriction, typically 0.5-1 mm short of the radiographic apex; it is determined using an apex locator and radiograph.

Smear layer

A layer of organic and inorganic debris created on dentin during instrumentation; it is removed by EDTA to allow sealer penetration and is distinct from the smear plug in tubules.

Clinical attachment level

The distance from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the periodontal pocket; it is calculated as probing depth plus gingival recession and reflects true attachment loss.

Osseointegration

Direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant, without intervening soft tissue; it requires primary stability and controlled healing.

Ludwig's angina

A rapidly spreading bilateral infection of the submandibular and sublingual spaces, often from mandibular molars; it causes airway compromise and requires urgent surgical decompression.

Le Fort I fracture

A horizontal fracture through the maxilla above the tooth apices, separating the palate from the upper midface; it presents with mobile maxilla and malocclusion.

Centric relation

A maxillomandibular relationship in which the condyles are in their most anterior-superior position against the articular eminence, independent of tooth contact.

Kennedy classification

A system for classifying partially edentulous arches: Class I bilateral posterior, Class II unilateral posterior, Class III unilateral bounded, Class IV anterior edentulous span.

ANB angle

The angle between the A-point, nasion, and B-point cephalometric landmarks; it indicates the anteroposterior skeletal relationship between maxilla and mandible, normally about 2 degrees.

Cervical vertebral maturation

A method of assessing skeletal maturity from lateral cephalometric radiographs by evaluating vertebral shape changes; it helps time orthodontic treatment to the pubertal growth spurt.

Early childhood caries

Caries affecting primary teeth in children under six years; severe forms involve smooth surfaces or multiple surfaces and are associated with bottle feeding and poor oral hygiene.

Pit and fissure sealant

A resin or glass ionomer coating applied to deep occlusal pits and fissures to prevent caries; it is indicated for caries-prone children with deep anatomy.

DMFT index

A measure of caries experience counting decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth; it is used in epidemiological surveys to estimate caries prevalence.

Community Periodontal Index

A WHO index scoring periodontal conditions from 0 (healthy) to 4 (pocket depth of 6 mm or more); it is used in oral health surveys with a special probe.

Infective endocarditis prophylaxis

Antibiotic administration before invasive dental procedures in high-risk cardiac patients; amoxicillin 2 g orally 30-60 minutes before the procedure is the standard regimen.

HbA1c

Glycated hemoglobin reflecting average blood glucose over about three months; a value of 6.5% or higher is diagnostic of diabetes and influences dental treatment planning.

Primary intention healing

Healing of a clean surgical wound with approximated edges, resulting in minimal granulation tissue and a thin scar; it contrasts with healing by secondary intention.

Vitamin K-dependent factors

Coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X require vitamin K for gamma-carboxylation; deficiency or warfarin therapy impairs clotting and increases bleeding risk.

Pyknosis

Irreversible nuclear change in cell injury characterized by chromatin condensation and shrinkage of the nucleus; it is followed by karyorrhexis and karyolysis.

First-order kinetics

Drug elimination in which a constant fraction of the drug is removed per unit time, so the half-life is constant; most drugs follow this pattern.

Tomes' process

A conical extension of the ameloblast that secretes enamel matrix and determines rod orientation; its shape contributes to the keyhole appearance of enamel rods.

Gingipains

Cysteine proteases produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis that degrade host proteins and complement, contributing to tissue destruction and immune evasion in periodontitis.