LDEK flashcards

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

Reversible pulpitis

Sharp, brief pain provoked by thermal stimulus that resolves within seconds after removal; localized inflammation without necrosis; treated conservatively with restoration or pulp capping.

Irreversible pulpitis

Spontaneous or lingering pain lasting more than 15–30 seconds after cold stimulus; indicates irreversible pulpal damage; requires root canal therapy or extraction.

Apical constriction

Narrowest point of the root canal located 0.5–1.0 mm short of the radiographic apex; the ideal endpoint for cleaning, shaping, and obturation during endodontic treatment.

Sodium hypochlorite concentration

Irrigant used at 0.5–5.25% concentration; dissolves necrotic tissue and provides antimicrobial effect; must never be extruded beyond the apex due to severe tissue toxicity.

Vertical root fracture

Suspect with isolated deep probing pocket, J-shaped radiolucency, and pain on biting; extraction is usually required for posterior teeth; endodontic retreatment alone does not resolve.

Inferior alveolar nerve block

Mandibular anesthesia technique with failure rates up to 15–20% due to accessory innervation; buccal infiltration with articaine improves success in mandibular molars.

Lidocaine maximum dose

4.4 mg/kg with epinephrine for healthy adults; calculate by body weight; maximum absolute dose is 300 mg; epinephrine limit is 0.2 mg per appointment.

Fluoride varnish

5% sodium fluoride (22,600 ppm) applied 2–4 times yearly to high-caries-risk patients; reduces caries incidence; avoid application to ulcerated mucosa.

Silver diamine fluoride

38% solution that arrests active dentin caries; indicated for uncooperative children or medically fragile adults; causes permanent black staining of carious tissue.

Tooth avulsion storage

Replant immediately within 5 minutes if possible; if dry time exceeds 60 minutes, prognosis is poor; store in Hanks' balanced salt solution, milk, or saline - never water.

MRONJ definition

Exposed bone persisting more than 8 weeks in a patient on antiresorptive or antiangiogenic therapy with no history of head and neck radiation; conservative management preferred.

Leukoplakia transformation risk

Non-homogeneous leukoplakia carries a 5–15% malignant transformation rate; biopsy is mandatory for lesions persisting more than 2 weeks.

Zirconia bonding protocol

Airborne-particle abrasion with 50 µm alumina followed by MDP-containing primer; hydrofluoric acid does not etch zirconia; use resin cement for durable bond.

Crown occlusal reduction

1.5–2.0 mm for metal-ceramic restorations; 1.0–1.5 mm axial reduction; chamfer finish line for metal, shoulder for ceramic margins.

Mutually protected occlusion

Posterior teeth protect anterior teeth in maximum intercuspation; anterior teeth protect posterior teeth in excursive movements; the goal in complete denture design.

RPI clasp design

Mesial rest, proximal plate, and I-bar; preferred for distal extension removable partial dentures to reduce torque on abutment teeth.

Implant survival risk factors

Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >8%), and history of periodontitis reduce long-term implant survival, which otherwise exceeds 95% at 10 years.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Minor ulcers ≤1 cm heal in 10–14 days; major ulcers >1 cm may scar and last up to 6 weeks; herpetiform type presents multiple small ulcers; treat with topical corticosteroids.

Oral candidiasis

Pseudomembranous form wipes off leaving erythematous base; predisposing factors include inhaled corticosteroids, xerostomia, diabetes, and immunosuppression; first-line nystatin or fluconazole.

Oral lichen planus

Bilateral white striae (Wickham striae) on buccal mucosa; malignant transformation rate 0.5–2%; biopsy recommended for erosive lesions.

Squamous cell carcinoma sites

Most common oral malignancy; lateral tongue and floor of mouth are highest-risk sites; any ulcer persisting more than 2 weeks requires biopsy.

Sjögren syndrome antibodies

Anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies; presents with xerostomia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and bilateral parotid enlargement; increased lymphoma risk.

Trigeminal neuralgia

Paroxysmal lancinating pain in V2/V3 distribution triggered by touch or chewing; carbamazepine is first-line therapy; MRI to rule out secondary causes.

Eruption timing

First primary tooth at 6–10 months; complete primary dentition by 2.5–3 years; first permanent molar at 6 years.

Early childhood caries

Any caries in children under 6; severe ECC defined as smooth-surface caries in children under 3; prevention includes fluoride varnish, dietary counseling, and twice-daily brushing.

Fluoride toothpaste amount

Smear for children under 3; pea-sized for ages 3–6; supervise brushing to minimize swallowing; use 1000 ppm fluoride.

Pit-and-fissure sealants

Indicated for deep caries-susceptible pits in permanent molars; apply within 2 years of eruption for maximum benefit; monitor for retention at recall.

Primary tooth pulpectomy

Indicated for irreversible pulpitis or necrosis with restorable crown; use resorbable paste (zinc oxide-eugenol or iodoform-based); never use gutta-percha in primary teeth.

Anaphylaxis management

Intramuscular epinephrine 0.3–0.5 mg (1:1000) in adults, repeated every 5–15 minutes as needed; call emergency services immediately; place patient supine.

Angina in dental setting

Stop procedure and administer sublingual nitroglycerin 0.3–0.6 mg; if pain persists more than 15 minutes, suspect myocardial infarction and activate emergency services.

AHA prophylaxis regimen

Amoxicillin 2 g orally 30–60 minutes before procedure; clindamycin no longer recommended due to C. difficile risk; use cephalexin, azithromycin, or doxycycline for penicillin allergy.

Warfarin and dental procedures

Do not stop for routine dental procedures if INR is within therapeutic range (2–3.5); local hemostatic measures such as pressure, sutures, and tranexamic acid mouthwash suffice.