PMDC NLE Dental flashcards

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

FDI quadrant numbering

In the FDI/ISO system, the first digit denotes the quadrant: 1 upper right, 2 upper left, 3 lower left, 4 lower right for permanent teeth; 5–8 correspond to the same quadrants for primary teeth.

Universal tooth numbering

The universal system numbers all 32 permanent teeth from 1 to 32, beginning with the maxillary right third molar as tooth 1 and ending with the mandibular right third molar as tooth 32.

Primary dentition eruption

Primary teeth begin erupting around 6 months with mandibular central incisors; the full primary dentition of 20 teeth is usually complete by 2.5 to 3 years of age.

Permanent first molar eruption

The permanent first molars erupt at approximately 6 years of age and are often called the six-year molars; they erupt distal to the primary second molars without replacing any primary tooth.

Lidocaine maximum dose

Lidocaine 2% with 1:100,000 epinephrine has a maximum adult dose of about 7 mg/kg, roughly 13 cartridges of 1.8 mL; each cartridge contains 36 mg lidocaine and 0.018 mg epinephrine.

Articaine maximum dose

Articaine 4% with epinephrine has a maximum adult dose of approximately 7 mg/kg; its increased lipid solubility and bone diffusion give good pulpal anesthesia, especially for mandibular infiltration.

Mepivacaine maximum dose

Mepivacaine 3% without vasoconstrictor has a maximum adult dose of about 6.6 mg/kg; it is useful when epinephrine is contraindicated but has shorter pulpal anesthesia duration.

Bupivacaine maximum dose

Bupivacaine 0.5% with epinephrine has a maximum adult dose of about 1.3 mg/kg; it provides the longest duration of pulpal anesthesia, making it useful for postoperative pain control.

Epinephrine in local anesthetic

Epinephrine acts as a vasoconstrictor, reducing systemic absorption of the anesthetic, prolonging anesthesia, and decreasing bleeding; it is avoided or limited in severe uncontrolled cardiovascular disease and hyperthyroidism.

Inferior alveolar nerve block

The inferior alveolar nerve block targets the mandibular foramen, anesthetizing mandibular molars, premolars, and anterior teeth plus the lower lip; the lingual nerve is blocked separately for soft tissue anesthesia.

Greater palatine nerve block

The greater palatine nerve block is placed near the greater palatine foramen to anesthetize the posterior palate and palatal gingiva, avoiding the need for painful direct palatal infiltration.

Endocarditis prophylaxis indication

Antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures is indicated for prosthetic heart valves, prior infective endocarditis, certain congenital heart disease, and cardiac transplant recipients with valvulopathy.

Amoxicillin prophylaxis regimen

The standard regimen is 2 g amoxicillin orally 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure in adults; for penicillin allergy, alternatives include cephalexin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, or doxycycline.

Reversible pulpitis

Reversible pulpitis presents with sharp pain provoked by cold or sweet stimuli that resolves quickly after removal of the stimulus; the pulp remains vital and treatment is removal of the cause.

Irreversible pulpitis

Irreversible pulpitis causes spontaneous, lingering, or throbbing pain that persists after the stimulus is removed; the pulp is irreversibly inflamed and requires root canal therapy or extraction.

Pulp necrosis

A necrotic pulp shows no response to cold testing or electric pulp testing and may be associated with periapical radiolucency, percussion tenderness, and discoloration of the tooth.

Electric pulp test

The electric pulp test assesses nerve responsiveness of the pulp by applying graded electrical stimuli; a positive response indicates vital innervation, while no response suggests necrosis.

Ellis Class I fracture

An Ellis Class I fracture involves enamel only, appears as a rough or sharp edge without sensitivity, and is managed by smoothing or restoring the tooth surface.

Ellis Class II fracture

An Ellis Class II fracture involves enamel and dentin, appears yellowish and sensitive to air or cold, and is managed by sealing the dentin and restoring the tooth.

Ellis Class III fracture

An Ellis Class III fracture involves enamel, dentin, and pulp, showing a pink or bleeding pulp exposure; it requires pulp therapy or root canal treatment depending on apex maturity.

Avulsed permanent tooth management

Handle an avulsed permanent tooth by the crown, rinse gently, and replant within 60 minutes; splint for about two weeks and refer for root canal therapy if the apex is closed.

Avulsed primary tooth

An avulsed primary tooth is not replanted because of the risk of damage to the developing permanent tooth germ; the area is managed for hemostasis and monitored.

Dental caries critical pH

Enamel demineralization begins when plaque pH falls below approximately 5.5; frequent sugar intake prolongs acid production and shifts the balance toward demineralization.

Streptococcus mutans role

Streptococcus mutans is the principal cariogenic bacterium; it adheres to enamel, produces acid from fermentable carbohydrates, and synthesizes glucans that promote plaque formation.

Fluoride mechanism of action

Fluoride promotes remineralization by forming fluorapatite, which is more acid-resistant than hydroxyapatite; it also inhibits bacterial enolase and reduces demineralization.

White spot lesion

A white spot lesion is an early, non-cavitated carious lesion caused by subsurface demineralization; it can be reversed with fluoride, improved hygiene, and dietary modification.

Clinical attachment loss

Clinical attachment loss equals probing depth plus recession, or probing depth minus gingival hyperplasia; it measures the loss of periodontal support from the cementoenamel junction.

Periodontal staging and grading

Periodontal disease is classified by stage I to IV for severity and extent, and grade A to C for rate of progression based on bone loss and risk factors.

Bleeding on probing

Bleeding on probing indicates active gingival inflammation and is a key clinical sign of periodontal disease; its absence is a strong predictor of periodontal stability.

Periapical radiograph

A periapical radiograph shows two to three teeth with their roots and surrounding bone; it detects periapical pathology, root fractures, and caries, and is used during endodontic treatment.

Bitewing radiograph

A bitewing radiograph shows the crowns of upper and lower posterior teeth; it is the best view for detecting interproximal caries and assessing alveolar bone crest levels.

Panoramic radiograph

A panoramic radiograph provides a broad view of both jaws, the full dentition, and the temporomandibular joints; it is useful for impactions, cysts, and orthodontic assessment.