MDCN Assessment key terms

Inflammation of the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone at the root apex, usually caused by bacterial infection from a necrotic pulp. It may be acute with pain or chronic with a radiolucent periapical lesion.

Loss of tooth structure from tooth-to-tooth contact during chewing or parafunction. It appears as flattened wear facets on occlusal, incisal, or proximal surfaces and is common in older adults.

Involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep or stress. It can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and hypertrophy of the masseter muscles.

A chronic, multifactorial disease in which acid-producing bacteria demineralize tooth enamel and dentin. It progresses from white-spot lesions to cavitation and can reach the pulp if untreated.

A soft, adherent biofilm of bacteria, salivary proteins, and food debris on tooth surfaces. When not removed, it mineralizes into calculus and drives caries and periodontal inflammation.

Reversible inflammation of the gingiva caused by plaque accumulation. Signs include redness, swelling, and bleeding on probing, but there is no loss of attachment or bone.

A chronic inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth, initiated by plaque bacteria. It causes loss of periodontal attachment and alveolar bone, and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

A pathologically deepened gingival sulcus between the tooth and gingiva, measured by probing depth. It forms when attachment is lost and is a key diagnostic sign of periodontitis.

Inflammation of the dental pulp, most often due to caries or trauma. It may be reversible, with sharp pain to stimuli, or irreversible, with spontaneous or lingering pain that may require root canal treatment.

Death of the dental pulp, leaving the root canal system without vital tissue. The tooth may become asymptomatic, discolored, or develop apical periodontitis and infection.

A localized collection of pus at the root apex, usually arising from a necrotic pulp and spreading infection. It causes severe pain, tenderness to percussion, and sometimes swelling or systemic symptoms.

A dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue, cleans and shapes the root canal system, and seals it with a filling material. It aims to retain a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.

A non-surgical periodontal treatment that removes plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces and smooths root surfaces. It is used to treat gingivitis and periodontitis and reduce pocket depth.

A mineral that strengthens enamel and promotes remineralization while inhibiting bacterial acid production. It is used in toothpaste, water, and professional varnishes to prevent dental caries.

Irreversible loss of tooth surface by chemical dissolution not caused by bacteria, often from dietary acid or gastric reflux. It produces smooth, cupped, or scooped lesions, especially on palatal and occlusal surfaces.

Pathological wear of tooth structure caused by mechanical forces other than tooth-to-tooth contact, such as aggressive brushing or abrasive toothpaste. It often produces wedge-shaped cervical defects.

A group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles, causing pain, clicking, limited opening, or jaw deviation. Causes include bruxism, stress, and joint degeneration.

Mineralized dental plaque that forms hard deposits on teeth and dental prostheses. It cannot be removed by brushing and serves as a retentive surface for further plaque, contributing to periodontal disease.

A minor surgical procedure that opens and drains a collection of pus, such as a periapical or periodontal abscess. It relieves pain and pressure and is often combined with antibiotics or dental treatment.

Persistently elevated arterial blood pressure, typically defined as 140/90 mmHg or higher in clinic settings. It is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease.

A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose due to insufficient insulin or insulin resistance. It damages blood vessels and nerves and increases risk of infection and periodontal disease.

Death of heart muscle caused by sudden blockage of a coronary artery. It presents with crushing chest pain, sweating, nausea, and sometimes breathlessness, and is a medical emergency.

Chest pain or discomfort caused by temporary insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, usually during exertion or stress. It is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin and warns of coronary artery disease.

Sudden loss of brain function caused by interrupted blood supply or bleeding in the brain. It can cause weakness, speech difficulty, facial droop, and confusion, and requires urgent medical attention.

A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways causing reversible bronchoconstriction, wheezing, cough, and breathlessness. Attacks can be triggered by allergens, exercise, or stress, including dental anxiety.

A progressive lung disease, usually from smoking, that causes airflow obstruction and breathlessness. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema and increases risk during dental treatment with sedation or positioning.

A severe, rapidly developing allergic reaction that can cause airway swelling, low blood pressure, rash, and breathing difficulty. It is a medical emergency treated with intramuscular adrenaline.

A neurological disorder marked by recurrent unprovoked seizures due to abnormal brain electrical activity. Seizures may be triggered by stress or missed medication and require airway protection during dental care.

A brief loss of consciousness caused by temporary reduced blood flow to the brain, often triggered by pain, anxiety, or standing. Recovery is usually quick when the patient is laid flat.

A drug that reversibly blocks nerve conduction in a specific area, producing loss of sensation without unconsciousness. It is used in dentistry for pain control and must be dosed carefully.

Administration of antibiotics before a procedure to prevent infection in at-risk patients, such as those with certain heart conditions. It is used selectively according to current guidelines.

Infection of the inner lining of the heart, usually involving heart valves, caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream. It can follow dental procedures in susceptible patients and requires prolonged antibiotic treatment.

The ability of bacteria to survive and grow despite exposure to antibiotics. It is driven by overuse and misuse of antibiotics and is a major global health threat.

A patient's voluntary agreement to treatment after receiving and understanding information about its nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives. It is an ethical and legal requirement in medical and dental care.

The ethical and legal duty to protect a patient's personal health information from unauthorized disclosure. It may be breached only with consent or when required by law or public safety.

A patient's ability to understand information relevant to a decision and to appreciate its consequences. It is assessed for specific decisions and can fluctuate, for example in delirium or dementia.