Pain Flashcards
A patient has bright red gums that bleed easily when you brush their teeth. Does this suggest a possible infection?
You notice a small bump on the gums that is red and tender to the touch. When you press on it, a small amount of pus comes out. Does this suggest a possible infection?
During an exam, you see a deep cavity in a molar. The patient reports sensitivity to cold. Does this suggest a possible infection?
A patient has a front tooth that is darker than the others. They say they bumped it a few years ago. Does this suggest a possible infection?
While probing, you find a 7mm pocket between a tooth and the gums. The gums in that area are slightly red and swollen. Does this suggest a possible infection?
Quiz: Intraoral Findings & Infection
Instructions: For each scenario, determine if the finding suggests a possible infection. Answer “Yes” or “No.”
- A patient has bright red gums that bleed easily when you brush their teeth.
Answer: No (usually not infected, but could be in advanced cases)
- You notice a small bump on the gums that is red and tender to the touch. When you press on it, a small amount of pus comes out.
Answer: Yes (pus is a strong indicator of infection)
- During an exam, you see a deep cavity in a molar. The patient reports sensitivity to cold.
Answer: Possibly (infection is likely if the decay has reached the pulp)
- A patient has a front tooth that is darker than the others. They say they bumped it a few years ago.
Answer: Possibly (discoloration can be a sign of a dead nerve, which can sometimes lead to infection)
- While probing, you find a 7mm pocket between a tooth and the gums. The gums in that area are slightly red and swollen.
Answer: Yes (deep pockets with redness and swelling often indicate infection in the gums)
Quiz Question:
A patient comes in complaining of mild sensitivity to cold drinks that disappears quickly. Upon examination and pulp testing, you determine the likely diagnosis is reversible pulpitis.
Which of the following would be the MOST appropriate explanation to give the patient?
a) “It seems the nerve in your tooth is a bit irritated. This is likely from a cavity or injury, and we’ll need to do a root canal to remove the damaged nerve.”
b) “The tests show some inflammation in the nerve of your tooth. This could be from a small cavity, and with the right treatment, the inflammation should go away, and the nerve can heal.”
c) “Unfortunately, the nerve in your tooth is dying. We’ll need to take an X-ray and likely extract the tooth to prevent further problems.”
d) “The tests indicate a serious infection in your tooth. You’ll need to take antibiotics and possibly have a root canal to resolve the infection.”
b
Quiz Question:
A patient presents with intense, lingering pain when their tooth is exposed to cold. They also report occasional spontaneous pain in the same tooth. After conducting pulp tests, you suspect irreversible pulpitis.
Which of the following explanations and next steps would be MOST appropriate for this patient?
b) “It seems the nerve in your tooth is quite inflamed. This suggests more significant damage, and the nerve can’t heal itself. We’ll need an X-ray, and you’ll likely need a root canal to remove the inflamed nerve.”
A 6-year-old child tells you their tooth hurts a little when they drink cold milk. Upon examination and pulp testing, you believe the child has reversible pulpitis in a primary tooth.
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate way to explain the situation and next steps to the child and their parent?
signs and explanation for necrosis
Simplified Periapical Testing Guide for Oral Health Therapists
notes for pA test
pA test dx
notes for pulp test
