Jordan Dental Exam flashcards

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

Enamel rod direction

Enamel rods run obliquely from the dentinoenamel junction toward the surface; cavity preparation walls should follow rod direction to avoid unsupported enamel.

Hydrodynamic theory

Dentinal sensitivity occurs when fluid movement within dentinal tubules stimulates mechanoreceptors near the pulp, often triggered by cold, air, or osmotic changes.

Critical pH of enamel

The pH at which saliva becomes unsaturated with respect to enamel mineral, about 5.5; below this value demineralization exceeds remineralization.

Red complex bacteria

Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia are strongly associated with periodontitis and form the red complex in biofilm.

Local anesthetic pKa

The pKa determines the proportion of uncharged base available to cross nerve membranes; higher pKa and inflamed acidic tissue reduce the active fraction and slow onset.

Warfarin mechanism

Warfarin inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, reducing synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X; its effect is monitored with the INR.

Leukoplakia definition

A predominantly white patch of the oral mucosa that cannot be characterized clinically or pathologically as any other disease; diagnosis of exclusion with malignant potential.

Erythroplakia risk

A red mucosal patch with the highest malignant transformation risk among oral mucosal lesions; biopsy is required to exclude carcinoma or dysplasia.

Pemphigus vulgaris

An autoimmune blistering disease with intraepithelial suprabasal separation and acantholysis, positive Nikolsky sign, and autoantibodies against desmoglein 1 and 3.

Ameloblastoma features

A locally aggressive odontogenic tumor of the posterior mandible, often showing a multilocular soap-bubble radiolucency; treatment is wide resection.

Class II cavity

A cavity involving proximal surfaces of posterior teeth; the preparation includes an occlusal access and proximal box to remove caries and restore contour.

Sodium hypochlorite role

The main endodontic irrigant; it dissolves organic tissue and is antimicrobial, but must not be extruded beyond the apex because it causes severe tissue damage.

EDTA in endodontics

A 17% chelating agent used to remove the smear layer and open dentinal tubules during root canal preparation, improving disinfection and adaptation.

Working length determination

The distance from a coronal reference point to the apical constriction, about 0.5-1 mm short of the radiographic apex, confirmed with an apex locator.

Crown taper

Ideal axial wall taper for a crown is about 6 degrees; excessive taper reduces retention, while insufficient taper prevents seating.

Balanced occlusion

A complete denture occlusal scheme in which contacts are maintained bilaterally in eccentric movements to stabilize the denture bases.

Kennedy Class I

A removable partial denture classification with bilateral edentulous posterior areas; it is a tooth-tissue supported prosthesis.

Implant success criteria

Albrektsson criteria include no mobility, no pain, no peri-implant radiolucency, and bone loss less than 0.2 mm per year after the first year.

Clinical attachment level

The distance from the cementoenamel junction to the pocket base; calculated as probing depth plus recession or minus gingival enlargement.

Periodontitis staging

The 2017 classification stages periodontitis by severity using clinical attachment loss, bone loss, and tooth loss, and grades by progression rate.

Peri-implant mucositis

Reversible inflammation of the soft tissue around an implant without bone loss; treated with debridement and improved oral hygiene.

Inferior alveolar block

A local anesthetic injection into the pterygomandibular space to anesthetize the inferior alveolar nerve, providing mandibular anesthesia on the injected side.

Ludwig angina

A rapidly spreading bilateral cellulitis of the submandibular and sublingual spaces with elevation of the floor of the mouth; it is a medical emergency.

Dry socket

Alveolar osteitis presenting with severe pain 2-4 days after extraction and an empty socket; treated with irrigation and a medicated dressing.

Angle Class II

A malocclusion in which the mandibular first molar is distal to the maxillary first molar, often associated with a retrusive mandible or protrusive maxilla.

Pulpotomy indication

Removal of coronal pulp in a vital primary molar with reversible pulpitis; the radicular pulp is left intact and covered with a medicament.

Fluoride varnish

A high-concentration topical fluoride applied every 3-6 months to prevent caries; it is safe for children and adults at elevated caries risk.

Paralleling technique

An intraoral radiographic technique in which the film or sensor is parallel to the tooth and the beam is perpendicular, reducing distortion.

ALARA principle

As Low As Reasonably Achievable; radiation dose should be minimized using collimation, lead protection, digital sensors, and appropriate exposure settings.

Autoclave monitoring

Sterilization is verified with biological indicators such as Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, along with chemical and mechanical monitoring.

Informed consent elements

Valid consent requires patient capacity, disclosure of material risks and alternatives, voluntary agreement, and documentation of the discussion.

Confidentiality limits

Patient confidentiality may be breached when required by law, such as reporting certain infectious diseases or suspected abuse, or when the patient consents.