MDC PQE key terms

Inflammation of the dental pulp, usually caused by caries or trauma. It may be reversible, with sharp pain to stimuli that subsides, or irreversible, with spontaneous or lingering pain.

A progressive, biofilm-mediated destruction of tooth hard tissues driven by fermentable sugars. It begins as demineralization of enamel and can advance into dentin and pulp if untreated.

A chronic inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting tissues caused by plaque bacteria, producing attachment loss, periodontal pocket formation, and eventually tooth mobility or loss.

The measured distance in millimeters from the gingival margin to the base of the gingival sulcus or pocket, recorded with a calibrated probe to assess periodontal health and disease severity.

The distance from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the periodontal pocket. It reflects cumulative periodontal destruction and is more reliable than probing depth alone for tracking disease over time.

A structured biofilm of bacteria, salivary proteins, and extracellular polysaccharides adhering to tooth surfaces and restorations. It is the primary etiologic factor in caries and periodontal disease.

A non-surgical periodontal procedure that removes calculus and bacterial deposits from crown and root surfaces, smoothing the roots to promote reattachment and reduce inflammation.

Structured patient education on brushing technique, interdental cleaning, and fluoride use, tailored to individual needs. It is a core component of prevention and of periodontal and restorative maintenance.

A high-concentration topical fluoride lacquer painted onto teeth to prevent caries and treat hypersensitivity. It adheres to enamel and releases fluoride slowly over hours.

The clinical classification of pulp status, such as normal, reversible pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis, or necrotic pulp, based on history, symptoms, and tests including percussion and thermal or electric pulp testing.

Methods such as cold spray, heat, or electric pulp stimulation used to assess whether pulp tissue responds to stimuli. A response indicates innervation, not necessarily health.

Inflammation of the tissues around the root apex, most often a sequel to pulp necrosis and infection. It may be acute with pain on biting or chronic with a periapical radiolucency.

The dental specialty concerned with the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the dental pulp and periapical tissues, and with root canal treatment and related procedures.

A procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue, disinfects and shapes the canal system, and seals it with an inert filling material to retain the tooth.

The surgical removal of a tooth from its alveolus. Indications include irreparable caries, advanced periodontal disease, severe trauma, and impaction causing pathology.

Alveolar osteitis: localized pain after extraction caused by loss of the blood clot and exposed bone, typically occurring two to four days post-operatively. It is treated with irrigation and a medicated dressing.

Failure of a third molar to erupt fully into its functional position because of lack of space, angulation, or obstruction, often requiring surgical removal when symptomatic or associated with pathology.

Reversible loss of sensation in a specific region produced by drugs that block nerve conduction, used in dentistry to permit painless operative, periodontal, and surgical procedures.

An agent such as epinephrine added to local anesthetic solutions to constrict blood vessels, slow drug absorption, prolong anesthesia, and reduce bleeding and systemic toxicity.

A drug interaction in which a non-selective beta-blocker such as propranolol leaves alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed, causing a paradoxical rise in blood pressure after epinephrine-containing local anesthetic.

The structured interview of a patient covering past and current illness, medications, allergies, surgeries, and social factors, used to identify risks before dental treatment.

Assessment and coordination of warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants, or antiplatelet drugs before invasive dental care, balancing bleeding risk against the risk of thromboembolism.

Administration of antibiotics before a procedure to prevent infection at a susceptible site, such as in selected patients with prosthetic heart valves or previous infective endocarditis.

A microbial infection of the heart valves or endocardium, sometimes preceded by bacteremia from dental procedures. Prevention relies on targeted prophylaxis and good oral hygiene.

Systematic visual and tactile examination of the oral mucosa, lips, tongue, and floor of mouth for suspicious lesions, with referral for biopsy when indicated.

A predominantly white patch or plaque of the oral mucosa that cannot be characterized clinically or pathologically as any other disease. It is potentially malignant and requires biopsy.

A group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles, causing pain, clicking, limited opening, or deviation. Management is usually conservative and reversible.

Involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth during sleep or wakefulness, which can cause tooth wear, muscle pain, and temporomandibular symptoms.

A removable appliance worn over the teeth to redistribute occlusal forces, protect teeth from wear, and reduce symptoms of bruxism or temporomandibular disorder.

Persistently elevated arterial blood pressure. Dental relevance includes bleeding risk, drug interactions, and the need to defer elective care when values are very high.

A metabolic disorder of chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency or resistance. It increases risk of periodontal disease, delayed healing, and infection after dental procedures.

A chronic inflammatory airway disease causing reversible bronchoconstriction and wheeze. Dental care requires attention to triggers, inhaler availability, and avoidance of aspirin in aspirin-sensitive patients.

A severe, rapidly developing systemic allergic reaction with airway swelling, bronchospasm, and hypotension. Immediate intramuscular epinephrine is the first-line treatment.

A patient's voluntary agreement to treatment after receiving and understanding information about its nature, benefits, risks, alternatives, and the consequences of declining.

Standard precautions including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, instrument sterilization, and surface disinfection, applied to prevent transmission of pathogens between patients and staff.