Chapter 3 Dental Infrections

Question 1

inflammation of the dental pulp resulting from untreated caries, trauma, or multiple restorations

Answer 1

Pulpitis

Question 2

Treatment of reversible pulpitis

Answer 2

Dental caries removal

Filling and restoration

Question 3

Treatment of irreversible pulpitis and sequelae

Answer 3

Root canal or tooth extraction

Question 4

Acute or chronic inflammatory lesion around the apex of the tooth root which is usually caused by bacterial invasion

Answer 4

Periapical periodontitis

Question 5

Sx:

Painful response to biting and/or percussion. May or may not be accompanied by radiographic changes.

X-Ray: Appears as apical radiolucency

Answer 5

Periapical periodontitis

Question 6

Treatment for periapical periodontitis

Answer 6

Symptomatic treatment

Antibiotics

Referral to dental for root canal/tooth extraction

Question 7

Collections of pus within the periodontium caused by the body’s immune response to a bacterial infection

Answer 7

Abscess

Question 8

Collection of pus at the apex of a tooth, usually caused by an infection that has spread from the apical foramen of a tooth with irreversible pulpitis to the surrounding tissues.

Sequelae of periapical periodontitis

Answer 8

Periapical Abscess

Question 9

Collection of pus within the periodontium that occurs alongside a tooth as a result of an infection not caused by its root.

Can be caused by food impaction in the sulcus, improperly scaled teeth, or penetration.

Answer 9

Periodontal abscess

Question 10

Pain may be present with symptoms of “high-tooth”

Answer 10

Periapical abscess

Question 11

Treatment for abscesses

Answer 11

Systemic pain relief

I & D

Antibiotics

Refer to dental for root canal (Periapical)

Question 12

Inflammation of the gingiva, producing bleeding with swelling, redness, exudate, a change of normal contours, and occasionally, discomfort

Answer 12

Gingivitis

Question 13

Most common cause of gingivitis is

Answer 13

Poor oral hygiene

Question 14

Gingivitis commonly occurs at:

Answer 14

Hormonal changes:

• Puberty
• Menstruation and pregnancy
• Menopause
• Oral contraceptives

Question 15

Cobblestone gingiva appearance may be caused by:

Answer 15

Chron’s disease

Question 16

Exposure to heavy metals may cause:

Answer 16

Gingivitis and a dark line at the gingival margin

Question 17

Vitamin deficiencies that cause gingivitis

Answer 17

Niacin or B3 (pellegra)

Vitamin C (scurvy)

Question 18

Acute, painful inflammation of the gingival flap over a partially erupted tooth, usually around mandibular 3rd molars (wisdom teeth)

Answer 18

Pericoronitis

Question 19

Chronic gingivitis may evolve into:

Answer 19

Periodontitis

Question 20

Erythematous tissue at gum lines with loss of stippling that bleeds upon probing.

Tissue may be bulbous and have halitosis.

Answer 20

Signs of gingivitis

Question 21

Treatment for gingivitis

Answer 21

Personal oral hygiene

Refer to dental for cleaning if unable to resolve with personal hygiene

Question 22

Treatment for pericoronitis

Answer 22

Removal of debris with irrigation.

Surgery may be warranted to remove flap.

Abscesses that develop should be I & D.