NMCLE Dental flashcards

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

Enamel-forming cells

Ameloblasts are responsible for enamel formation. They are lost after tooth eruption, which is why enamel cannot regenerate.

Cusp of Carabelli

An accessory cusp on the mesiolingual surface of the maxillary first molar. It is variable in size and may be absent.

Leukoplakia definition

A clinical term for a white patch that cannot be characterized as any other disease. Diagnosis requires biopsy to exclude dysplasia or carcinoma.

Ameloblastoma features

Benign but locally aggressive odontogenic tumor, most common in posterior mandible. Radiographically shows soap-bubble appearance. Treatment is wide resection.

Ludwig's angina

Bilateral cellulitis of submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces. Airway management is priority. Treat with IV antibiotics and surgical drainage.

Dry socket

Alveolar osteitis with severe pain 2–4 days post-extraction due to loss of blood clot. Treat with irrigation and medicated dressing; antibiotics not routinely needed.

Working length determination

Use apex locator and confirm with radiograph. Ideal length is 0.5–1.0 mm short of radiographic apex.

Sodium hypochlorite irrigation

At 0.5–5.25% concentration, it dissolves organic tissue and disinfects the root canal system. Avoid extrusion beyond the apex.

Balanced occlusion

In complete dentures, bilateral simultaneous contacts in centric occlusion, working side, and balancing side. It helps stabilize the prosthesis.

Denture stomatitis

Chronic erythematous candidiasis under a denture. Treat with antifungal and denture hygiene; advise removing dentures at night.

Probing depth

Measurement from gingival margin to base of pocket. Depth ≥4 mm with bleeding on probing suggests periodontitis; confirm with clinical attachment level.

Aggressive periodontitis

Now classified as periodontitis, grade C. Characterized by rapid attachment loss, often in younger patients, with familial aggregation.

ANB angle

Cephalometric angle indicating skeletal relationship between maxilla and mandible. Normal is 2–4 degrees; larger suggests Class II, smaller Class III.

Cleft lip repair timing

Lip repair usually performed at 3–6 months of age; palate repair at 9–12 months. Multidisciplinary care is essential.

Early childhood caries

Caries in children under 6 years. Associated with bottle feeding, frequent sugars, and poor oral hygiene. Prevention includes fluoride and diet counseling.

Fluoride varnish

5% sodium fluoride varnish applied every 3–6 months for caries prevention. It is safe for young children.

Infective endocarditis prophylaxis

Antibiotic prophylaxis indicated for high-risk cardiac conditions (e.g., prosthetic valve, previous endocarditis) before invasive dental procedures.

Anaphylaxis treatment

Intramuscular epinephrine 0.3–0.5 mg of 1:1000 concentration. Call for emergency help and monitor vital signs.

Lidocaine maximum dose

4.4 mg/kg with epinephrine; 7 mg/kg without epinephrine. Standard formulation is 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine.

Amoxicillin for odontogenic infection

500 mg three times daily. For penicillin allergy, use clindamycin or azithromycin. Always consider source control.

DMFT index

Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth. Measures caries experience in permanent dentition. dmft is used for primary teeth.

Water fluoridation level

Optimal concentration 0.7–1.2 ppm depending on climate. Reduces caries by 20–40%.

Informed consent

Patient must be competent, receive adequate information (risks, benefits, alternatives), and consent voluntarily.

Confidentiality

Protect patient information; disclose only with consent or legal requirement. It is a core ethical principle.

Odontogenic keratocyst

Lined by parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium with palisaded basal layer. High recurrence rate; associated with PTCH1 mutation.

Le Fort I fracture

Horizontal fracture above apices of maxillary teeth. Le Fort II is pyramidal; Le Fort III is craniofacial disjunction.

Root canal irrigation

Sodium hypochlorite dissolves organic tissue; EDTA removes smear layer. Avoid extrusion beyond apex.

Occlusal vertical dimension

Established at rest position minus 2–4 mm freeway space. Critical for complete denture fabrication.

Gingival recession

Apical migration of gingival margin. May be treated with connective tissue graft or coronally advanced flap.

Functional appliances

Used for growth modification in Class II growing patients, e.g., Twin Block. They modify mandibular growth and position.

Pulpotomy in primary molars

Remove coronal pulp, place medicament (e.g., formocresol or MTA), and restore with stainless steel crown.

Warfarin and dental treatment

Check INR; dental treatment safe if INR <3.5. Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs; use local hemostatic measures.