Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is the mode of action of occlusal sealants?
a) They are bactericidal to S. mutans
b) They increase the pH at the site of S. mutans growth
c) They interrupt bacterial succession
d) They remineralize enamel
e) They eliminate the habitat for S. mutans - CORRECT ANSWER - e) They eliminate the
habitat for S. mutans.
Occlusal sealants act as physical barriers that cover the pits and fissures of teeth, creating a
smooth surface that prevents food debris and bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans, from
accumulating in these areas. By eliminating the habitat where bacteria can colonize and produce
acids, occlusal sealants help reduce the risk of dental caries.
Which condition does the patient most likely have if her oral cavity displays chloasma of
the gingiva?
a) Asthma
b) Melanoma of the palate
c) Oral infection
d) Pregnancy
e) Seizure disorder - CORRECT ANSWER - d) Pregnancy
Chloasma, also known as melasma, is a condition characterized by dark patches on the skin,
often caused by hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy. When this occurs in the oral
cavity, particularly on the gingiva, it's most likely associated with hormonal changes during
pregnancy.
Patient Male, 52 years old
,CC "I am here to get implants."
Background Past medical Hx:
● Severe dental caries
● Type 2 diabetes mellitus
● Hypertension
● Blood sugar level and BP controlled with medication
Current MEdications:
● Metformin
● Pioglitazone
● Amlodipine
● Enalapril
NKDA
a) As per the conventional loading protocol, how long does the patient have to wait
before the prosthesis can be attached to the implants?
i) 1-2 hours
ii) 1-3 days
iii) 14 days
iv) 3 weeks
v) 4-6 months - CORRECT ANSWER - v) 4-6 months
All of the following are true for osteoradionecrosis EXCEPT one. Which one is the
EXCEPTION?
a) All patients who require ext in a previously irradiated bone are at a risk
b) It may be spontaneous or result from trauma
c) The non-healing bone may become secondarily infected
d) This condition occurs in 30-40% of patients - CORRECT ANSWER - d) This condition
occurs in 30-40% of patients.
,Osteoradionecrosis is a severe complication of radiation therapy, especially in the head and neck
region. However, the incidence of osteoradionecrosis is generally lower than stated in option d.
While the exact incidence varies. The actual incidence tends to be lower, estimated around 5-
15% in the literature.
Patient Female, 48 years old
CC "A tooth in the back of my mouth on the right side hurts all the time."
Background Past medical Hx:
● Type 2 diabetes
● Obesity
Current Medications:
● Metformin
● Pioglitazone
● Acarbose
a) What is the most critical to assess prior to the initiation of the extraction procedure?
i) Current diet plan
ii) Current lipid profile
iii) Level of potassium in blood
iv) Past history of GI surgery
v) Recent A1c value test report - CORRECT ANSWER - v) Recent A1c value test report.
In patients with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, it's important to assess their glycemic
control prior to any invasive dental procedure, such as tooth extraction. The A1c value provides
an indication of the patient's average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months and is a
crucial marker of long-term glycemic control.
, What is the most likely cause of decreased incidence of dental caries in the US in the
present time as compared to the 1950s?
a) Addition of fluoride in the water supply
b) Decrease in daily snacking between meals
c) Decrease in dietary trans-fats
d) Decreased use of high-fructose sugar supplements in dietary products
e) Increased use of occlusal sealants - CORRECT ANSWER - a) Addition of fluoride in
the water supply
All of the following are true regarding diflunisal EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
a) It has analgesic properties
b) It has anti-inflammatory properties
c) It has antipyretic properties
d) It is contraindicated in aspirin allergy - CORRECT ANSWER - d) It is contraindicated
in aspirin allergy.
Diflunisal is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that possesses analgesic, anti-
inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. However, unlike aspirin, diflunisal does not have the
same degree of cross-reactivity with aspirin allergy. Therefore, it is not typically contraindicated
in individuals with aspirin allergy, making option d the exception.
Intraoral and radiographic evaluation reveals taht tooth 14 has a deep carious lesion with caries
extending past the CEJ into the radicular portion of the tooth. Tooth 14 is non-restorable
Which group of nerves should be anesthetized prior to extraction?
a) Anterior superior alveolar, middle superior alveolar, greater palatine
b) Greater palatine, middle superior alveolar, posterior superior alveolar
c) Greater palatine, posterior superior alveolar, anterior superior alveolar
d) Greater palatine, posterior superior alveolar, nasopalatine