SDLE (SPLE Dentist) flashcards

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

Resting membrane potential

The electrical potential across a neuron membrane at rest, typically about -70 mV, maintained by the Na+/K+ ATPase pump and selective potassium permeability.

Chorda tympani

A branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) that carries taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and parasympathetic fibers to the submandibular and sublingual glands.

Clindamycin mechanism

Clindamycin binds the 50S ribosomal subunit and inhibits bacterial protein synthesis; it is used for dental infections, especially in penicillin-allergic patients, and carries a risk of pseudomembranous colitis.

FDI tooth numbering

A two-digit system where the first digit identifies the quadrant (1-4 permanent, 5-8 primary) and the second the tooth position from midline, so 11 is the maxillary right central incisor.

Cusp of Carabelli

An accessory fifth cusp or ridge on the mesiolingual surface of the maxillary first permanent molar, most common in Caucasian populations.

Oblique ridge

A raised enamel ridge on the occlusal surface of maxillary molars running from the mesiolingual cusp to the distobuccal cusp; it is a hallmark of maxillary molar anatomy.

Dentinal tubules

Microscopic channels radiating from the pulp through dentin to the dentinoenamel junction, containing odontoblast processes and fluid; their diameter and density increase near the pulp.

Oblique periodontal fibers

The principal periodontal ligament fibers that run from alveolar bone obliquely downward to cementum; they are the most numerous and resist axially directed occlusal forces.

Junctional epithelium

A nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium that attaches to the tooth surface via hemidesmosomes and forms the epithelial seal at the base of the gingival sulcus.

Leukoplakia

A white patch or plaque of the oral mucosa that cannot be scraped off and is not attributable to another disease; diagnosis requires biopsy to exclude dysplasia or carcinoma.

Odontogenic keratocyst

A developmental odontogenic cyst lined by parakeratinized epithelium with palisaded basal cells; it occurs commonly in the posterior mandible and has a high recurrence rate linked to PTCH1 mutations.

Pleomorphic adenoma

The most common benign salivary gland tumor, composed of epithelial and myxochondroid stroma; it most often affects the parotid gland and requires excision with margin due to recurrence risk.

Bisecting angle technique

An intraoral radiographic method in which the central ray is directed perpendicular to the line bisecting the tooth's long axis and the film, reducing distortion when the film cannot be placed parallel.

SLOB rule

A radiographic localization rule: with two views, an object moving in the same direction as the tube head is lingual, while one moving opposite is buccal.

Focal trough

The three-dimensional curved zone in panoramic radiography where objects are reasonably in focus; structures outside it appear blurred or magnified.

C-factor

The ratio of bonded to unbonded surface area in a cavity preparation; a high C-factor concentrates polymerization shrinkage stress, increasing the risk of marginal gaps and debonding.

Hybrid layer

The resin-infiltrated demineralized dentin zone formed after acid etching and adhesive application, providing micromechanical retention between composite and dentin.

Zinc oxide-eugenol

A dental cement that provides a palliative sedative effect on pulp and has antibacterial action; eugenol inhibits polymerization of resin composites, so it is used only as a base or temporary.

Ante's law

A prosthodontic guideline stating that the total root surface area of the abutment teeth should equal or exceed that of the teeth being replaced by the pontic.

Kennedy Class I

A removable partial denture classification for a bilateral edentulous area located posterior to the remaining natural teeth; it is a tooth-tissue-supported situation.

Posterior palatal seal

A slight compression of the denture base into the soft tissue along the junction of the hard and soft palate, improving retention and sealing the posterior border of a complete denture.

Working length

The distance from a coronal reference point to the point where canal preparation should end, usually 0.5 to 1.0 mm short of the apical foramen.

Sodium hypochlorite irrigation

An endodontic irrigant that dissolves necrotic tissue and has broad antimicrobial activity; it is used at concentrations of 0.5% to 5.25% with careful soft-tissue protection.

Bleeding on probing

A clinical sign of gingival inflammation detected when gentle probing of the sulcus produces bleeding; its absence is a strong predictor of periodontal stability.

Alveolar osteitis

Also called dry socket, it is a painful post-extraction complication caused by loss of the blood clot and fibrinolysis, typically occurring 3 to 5 days after extraction.

Ludwig's angina

A rapidly spreading bilateral infection of the submandibular and sublingual spaces that can obstruct the airway; it is a surgical emergency requiring airway management and drainage.

Angle Class II

A malocclusion in which the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar occludes mesial to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar, often associated with a retrognathic mandible.

Space maintainer

A pediatric dental appliance placed after premature loss of a primary tooth to preserve arch length and guide the eruption of the permanent successor.

DMFT index

A caries index that counts decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth per individual; the maximum score is 28 or 32 depending on whether third molars are included.

Primary prevention

Measures taken before disease occurs, such as fluoride, sealants, and oral hygiene education, to prevent caries or periodontal disease from developing.

Informed consent

A patient's voluntary agreement to treatment after receiving adequate disclosure of the diagnosis, proposed procedure, material risks, alternatives, and consequences of refusal.

Res ipsa loquitur

A legal doctrine meaning 'the thing speaks for itself'; it allows negligence to be inferred when an injury would not ordinarily occur without negligence and the instrument was under the defendant's control.