General Restorative Dentistry

Question 1

What are the three broad ways in which teeth can be replaced?

Answer 1

Dentures
Bridgework
Implants

Question 2

What is meant by the term shortened dental arch?

Answer 2

A dentition where most posterior teeth are missing, but there is satisfactory oral function without the use of prosthesis.

Question 3

Do shortened dental arches result in a higher incidence of TMD?

Answer 3

There is no evidence to support SDA being a risk factor to TMD problems.

Question 4

Do shortened dental arches suffer from a higher rate of occlusal wear than full arches?

Answer 4

No, the rate of attrition is not significantly different.

Question 5

Do shortened dental arches suffer from an increased rate of alveolar bone loss?

Answer 5

No, the rate of alveolar bone height loss is the same as in regular dental arches.

Question 6

What are the indications for a shortened dental arch?

Answer 6

Missing posterior teeth

Sufficient occlusal contacts from premolars

Favourable prognosis for remaining teeth

Patient no motivated to pursue restorative treatment plan

Finanical barriers to restorative care.

The patient has a significant malocclusion

Question 7

What should you consider before sugguesting a shortened dental arch?

Answer 7

Contra-indications
Appearance concerns
Discomfort from missing teeth
Existing occlusal instability

Question 8

What is meant by the term occlusal stability?

Answer 8

The stability of tooth positioning relative to its spacial relationship in occluding dental arches.

Question 9

What are the five requirements for occlusal stability?

Answer 9

Stable contacts in centric relation

Some form of anterior guidance

Disclusion of posterior teeth during protrusion

Disclusion of posterior teeth on non-working side during lateral movement

Disclusion of posterior teeth on working side during lateral movement.

Question 10

What are some manifestations of a traumatic occlusion?

Answer 10

Fracture of restorations/teeth
Tooth mobility
Dental pain not from infection
Toothwear

Question 11

Which three types of patient is a shortened dental arch most likely to fail in?

Answer 11

Periodontal disease patients
Occlusal instability patients
Toothwear patients

Question 12

What records are required for mounting casts on an articulator?

Answer 12

• Facebow (relationship of max. and TMJ)
• Wax wafer bite (centric relation record)
• Bite reg (wax or silicone)
• Upper/lower impressions (no shit)

Question 13

What is the average value of the sagittal condylar guidance angle used on an articulator?

Answer 13

Typically 30 degrees.

Question 14

What treatment options are there for an enamel-dentine fracture?

Answer 14

• Bond fragment back to tooth, if within an hour and fragment kept hydrated.
• Direct restoration +/- pulp cap.
• Endodontic treatment if complicated treatment.
• XLA if tooth trauma is significant, or if there is severe mobility.

Question 15

What are three reasons for overhangs when prepping an interproximal box?

Answer 15

• Poor matrix band adaptation
• Excessive force when packing
• Poor box design

Question 16

How can you fix an overhang in a restoration?

Answer 16

• Re-treat tooth
• Use finishing strips to file down overhang.

Question 17

How long does alginate take to set?

Answer 17

Anywhere between 1-4 minutes From the start of mixing depending on brand. Consistency of the mix as well as temperature/humidity will also impact this.

Question 18

What steps can you take to prevent a HAI?

Answer 18

• PPE
• Handwashing
• Following the 9 SCIPS

Question 19

What does SCIPS stand for with regards to healthcare?

Answer 19

A process for communicating information in an emergency.

Situation (Clincal status, MH, context)
Complications (Challenges to the situation)
Implications (Implications for patient health)
Proposal (Propose one or more courses of action)
Solution (Selecting the most appropriate proposal)

Question 20

What is xerostomia?

Answer 20

A dry mouth.

Question 21

What problems are made worse by xerostomia?

Answer 21

• Caries
• Dental erosion
• Periodontal disease
• Infections

Question 22

What causes other than polypharmacy can trigger xerostomia?

Answer 22

• Aging
• Dehydration
• Radiation therapy
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Diabetes
• Nerve Damage
• Smoking/tobacco use
• Mouth breathing

Question 23

What are the main types of provisional crown?

Answer 23

• Charside created crown (protemp)
• Preformed crown

Question 24

What are some of the drawbacks of using preformed crowns?

Answer 24

• Too much variety in size/shape
• Won’t be bespoke to fitting surface
• Requires crimping
• Requires large stock of crowns

Question 25

What can cause root resoption?

Answer 25

• Trauma
• Ortho
• Root replantation
• Genetics
• Inflamation
• Impacted teeth
• Dental treatment (endo/XLA)

Question 26

How can you lower the risk of root resoption?

Answer 26

• Good OH
• Wear a mouthgauard during sports
• Avoid smoking/tobacco
• Regular dental attendance
• Treatment of dental disease

Question 27

What can cause facial palsy?

Answer 27

• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Head trauma
• Tumours
• Autoimmune disorders
• Pregnancy
• Genetic predisposition

Question 28

What is the first line treatment for facial palsy?

Answer 28

• Eye-patch, as blinking reflex impaired
• Corticosteroids
• Anti-viral/anti-bacterials
• Physical therapy

Question 29

How would you differentiate between Bell’s palsy and a stroke?

Answer 29

Bell’s palsy would only affect one side of the face, a stroke would affect the same side of the arm/neck/body.

Bell’s would also have general sensation, but stroke might cause numbness/tingling.

Question 30

When should you intervene when a tooth is mobile?

Answer 30

If it poses a risk of aspiration/asphyxiation, if it is painful for the patient, or if it is posing mechanical problems for the patient.

Question 31

What are the reasons for treating tooth loss?

Answer 31

Aesthetics
Function
Speach
Dental health