120 Questions
What is the primary mechanism by which fluid movement in dentinal tubules produces a pain sensation?
Fluid movement across nerves in the subodontoblast plexus
What is the characteristic of dentinal tubules in teeth with hypersensitivity?
More abundant and wider tubules
What type of stimulus triggers a sharp pain in the hydrodynamic theory?
Cold and mechanical/tactile stimuli
What is the mechanism by which odontoblasts are thought to contribute to pain sensation?
Relaying impulses to nerve terminals in the pulp
What type of transmembrane receptors are involved in pain sensation?
G-protein-coupled receptors and ion channels
What type of channels are responsible for transmitting 'normal' temperature sensation in C-type neurons?
Thermo-sensitive channels
What is the primary goal of removing dietary sources of erosive acids in treating dentine hypersensitivity?
To rebalance the cycle of demin/remin towards remineralisation
What type of channels are found on A-type neurons and odontoblasts?
TRP channels
What is the mechanism by which hydrodynamic movement may stimulate A-type nerves?
Directly stimulating the nerve endings
What is the function of ion channels in neurons?
To conduct charged ions into and/or out of a cell, causing a change in electrical potential
What is the primary component of dentine that makes it 'spongy'?
Hollow tubes (dentine tubules)
According to the hydrodynamic theory, what triggers pain sensation in dentine?
Movement of fluid within dentine tubules
What is the name of the theory that proposes that pain sensation in dentine is triggered by the movement of fluid within dentine tubules?
Hydrodynamic theory
What is the name of the structure that helps to transmit pain signals from dentine to the brain?
Nerve axons
What is the name of the receptors involved in transmitting pain signals from dentine to the brain?
Trans-membrane receptors
What is the approximate diameter of dentinal tubules?
1-3 µm
What is the direction of the fluid movement in dentinal tubules?
Outwards towards the enamel
What type of nerve fibres innervate the dentine?
Myelinated A δ /A β fibres
What triggers the pain sensation in dentine hypersensitivity?
Thermal, chemical, osmotic, and tactile stimuli
Why are teeth not always sensitive?
Because of other tissues that normally protect the dentine
What is the proposed mechanism of dentine hypersensitivity according to the hydrodynamic theory?
Fluid movement in dentinal tubules stimulating responses in odontoblasts and/or neurons
What is the characteristic of dentine that contributes to hypersensitivity?
Permeable nature of dentine
What type of stimulus triggers a pain sensation in the hydrodynamic theory?
Fluid movement in dentinal tubules
What is the role of ion channels in pain sensation mechanisms?
Involving in the transmission of pain signals
What is the mechanism by which potassium nitrate reduces dentine hypersensitivity?
Reducing the excitability of pulp nociceptors
What can be eliminated to prevent further dentine loss?
Sources of heavy abrasion
What helps reduce mouth pH?
Cheese, milk, and chewing gum
What helps reduce erosion?
Fluoride
What type of restorations can be placed to treat dentine hypersensitivity?
Seal-And-Protect, resin sealants, GIC/resin fillings
What is a component of toothpastes and mouthwashes that can help treat dentine hypersensitivity?
Strontium
What is the function of G-protein in transmembrane receptors?
To deliver messages within the cell
What type of receptors produce enzymatic products that induce an intracellular response?
Enzyme-linked receptors
What triggers the opening of a permeable channel in ion channels?
All of the above
What is the role of ion channels in neurons?
To transmit 'normal' temperature sensation
What type of receptors are involved in detecting temperature changes?
Ion channels
What do odontoblasts and neurons express?
Signaling proteins
What is the function of enzyme-linked receptors?
To produce enzymatic products
What triggers a response in transmembrane receptors?
Extracellular signal
What is the role of G-proteins in signal transduction?
To deliver messages within the cell
What type of stimulation can trigger an intracellular response?
All of the above
What is the primary reason for dentine hypersensitivity?
The conditions exist for sensitivity to be experienced
What is the primary characteristic of dentine that contributes to its hypersensitivity?
Hollow tubes or dentine tubules
What type of stimulation can trigger an outward movement of fluid in dentinal tubules?
Cold and mechanical/tactile stimulation
What is the role of odontoblasts in pain sensation mechanisms?
Act as receptor cells and relay impulses to nerve terminals
Which type of receptors are involved in pain sensation mechanisms?
Transmembrane receptors
What type of transmembrane receptors are involved in pain sensation?
G-protein-coupled receptors and ion channels
According to the hydrodynamic theory, what triggers pain sensation in dentine?
Fluid movement within dentine tubules
What is the mechanism by which fluid movement triggers a pain stimulus?
Fluid movement triggers a response in the subodontoblast plexus
What is the primary component of dentine that affects its elastic modulus?
Mineral content
What is the role of transmembrane receptors in pain sensation mechanisms?
To trigger an intracellular response
What type of channels are responsible for transmitting 'normal' pain sensation in A-type neurons?
Pressure-sensitive channels
What is the primary mechanism by which odontoblasts contribute to pain sensation in the hydrodynamic theory?
Releasing chemical messengers that stimulate A-type fibres
What type of stimulation can trigger an action potential in neurons?
Changes in electrical potential across the membrane
What type of receptors are involved in detecting pain stimuli in dentine?
Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels
What is the primary goal of reducing dietary sources of erosive acids in treating dentine hypersensitivity?
To remove the primary causative factor
What can be eliminated to prevent further dentine loss?
Toothpicks and lip/tongue studs
What helps reduce mouth pH?
Cheese, milk, and chewing gum
What is the primary mechanism of preventing further dentine loss?
Tubule occlusion
What type of toothpaste is proven to reduce erosion?
Fluoride toothpaste
What is the primary goal of restorative treatments in dentine hypersensitivity?
To restore periodontal coverage
What is the characteristic of dentinal tubules in terms of diameter?
1-3 µm in diameter
Which of the following stimuli triggers a sharp pain in dentine hypersensitivity?
All of the above
What is the direction of fluid movement in dentinal tubules?
Outwards towards the dentino-enamel junction
What type of nerve fibres innervate the dentine?
Both Aδ-, Aβ- and C-type nerve fibres
Why are teeth not always sensitive?
Because the dentine is normally protected by other tissues
Which type of stimulation can trigger an intracellular response in transmembrane receptors?
Mechanical and voltage stimuli
What do odontoblasts and neurons express that can detect temperature changes?
Signalling proteins and ion channels
What stimulates responses in odontoblasts and/or neurons in dentine hypersensitivity?
Fluid movement in tubules
What is the function of G-proteins in transmembrane receptors?
To deliver messages within the cell
What is the characteristic of dentine that contributes to its hypersensitivity?
Permeable dentinal tubules
According to the hydrodynamic theory, what triggers pain sensation in dentine?
Fluid movement in dentinal tubules
What is the primary mechanism of ion channels in neurons?
To respond to voltage and chemical stimuli
What type of receptors are involved in detecting pain stimuli in dentine?
Transmembrane receptors
What type of receptors are involved in pain sensation mechanisms?
Enzyme-linked receptors and G-protein-coupled receptors
What is the role of ion channels in pain sensation mechanisms?
To stimulate responses in odontoblasts and/or neurons
What triggers a response in transmembrane receptors?
Extracellular signals, such as ligand binding
What is the role of odontoblasts in pain sensation mechanisms?
To express signalling proteins
What is the primary characteristic of ion channels?
Responding to voltage and chemical stimuli
What type of transmembrane receptors are involved in detecting temperature changes?
Ion channels and enzyme-linked receptors
What triggers the opening of a permeable channel in ion channels?
Extracellular signals, such as ligand binding
What is the primary characteristic of dentine that contributes to its hypersensitivity?
The spongy structure formed by dentinal tubules
What is the primary mechanism by which cold stimuli trigger a pain sensation in dentine hypersensitivity?
Cold-induced contraction of dentinal tubules
What is the characteristic of dentine that makes it more susceptible to hypersensitivity?
Permeability of dentinal tubules
Which of the following stimuli is most likely to trigger a pain response in dentine?
A change in temperature
According to the hydrodynamic theory, what triggers pain sensation in dentine?
The movement of fluid within dentinal tubules
According to the hydrodynamic theory, what is the primary mechanism by which fluid movement triggers a pain sensation?
Fluid movement across nerves in the subodontoblast plexus
What is the role of transmembrane receptors in pain sensation mechanisms?
To detect changes in temperature and pressure
What type of transmembrane receptors are involved in pain sensation mechanisms?
Enzyme-linked receptors and G-protein-coupled receptors
What is the primary mechanism by which odontoblasts contribute to pain sensation mechanisms?
Acting as receptor cells and relaying impulses to nerve terminals
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of dentine?
Homogeneous structure
What is the characteristic of dentinal tubules that allows them to accommodate odontoblast processes and nerve fibers extending out into the dentine?
Their wider diameter near the pulp
What is the primary mechanism by which reducing potassium nitrate outside an excitable cell reduces action potentials in dental pulp afferent nerves?
Prohibition of depolarization
What is the primary mechanism by which odontoblasts contribute to the defense of the tooth against exogenous threats?
Detection of nociception
What is the consequence of loss of protection over permeable dentine?
Dentine hypersensitivity
What is the primary function of occluding dentinal tubules with various mineral formulations in treating dentine hypersensitivity?
Reducing dentinal tubule permeability
Which type of nerve fibers are responsible for transmitting sharp pain in response to thermal, chemical, or osmotic stimuli?
Aδ- and Aβ- fibers
What is the characteristic of dentine hypersensitivity that distinguishes it from other dental defects or pathology?
Pain arising from exposed dentine
What is the role of ion channels in pain sensation mechanisms?
Heavily involved in signal transmission
What is the primary reason why teeth are not always sensitive?
Because dentine is normally protected by other tissues
What is the primary goal of modifying diet and oral hygiene practices in treating dentine hypersensitivity?
Reducing erosion and abrasion
What type of stimulation is thought to trigger pain sensation in dentine hypersensitivity according to the hydrodynamic theory?
Hydrodynamic stimuli
What type of receptors are involved in transmitting pain signals from dentine to the brain?
Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels
What is the role of ion channels in pain sensation mechanisms?
To conduct charged ions into and/or out of a cell, causing a change in electrical potential
What can be eliminated to prevent further dentine loss?
Sources of heavy abrasion
What is the primary characteristic of dentine that contributes to its hypersensitivity?
Highly permeable dentine structure
Which of the following helps reduce mouth pH?
Cheese, milk, and chewing gum
What is the primary mechanism of dentine hypersensitivity treatment?
Tubule occlusion
What type of channels are responsible for transmitting 'normal' temperature sensation in C-type neurons?
Thermo-sensitive channels
What is the function of Novamin in Sensodyne Repair & Protect?
To provide bioactive glass for tubule occlusion
What is the primary goal of preventing further dentine loss?
To allow for the formation of a protective layer over the tubules
What is the role of the G-protein in transmembrane receptors?
To become active and deliver messages within the cell
What type of stimulation can trigger an intracellular response in transmembrane receptors?
Various extracellular stimuli, including voltage, chemicals, and mechanical stimuli
What is the role of enzyme-linked receptors in transmembrane receptors?
To produce enzymatic products that induce an intracellular response
What type of transmembrane receptors are involved in detecting temperature changes?
Ion channels
What is the primary characteristic of ion channels in transmembrane receptors?
They open a permeable channel through which ions can flow
What type of cells express signalling proteins that can detect temperature changes or respond to mechanical stimulation?
Both neurons and odontoblasts
What is the primary mechanism by which transmembrane receptors induce an intracellular response?
By becoming active and delivering messages within the cell
What is the role of ion channels in neurons?
To open a permeable channel through which ions can flow
What type of transmembrane receptors are involved in pain sensation mechanisms?
All of the above
What is the primary function of transmembrane receptors in cellular response?
To induce a change inside a cell in response to signals from outside the cell
Test your knowledge of dentine hypersensitivity mechanisms, including neural and odontoblast transducer theories. Learn about the causes of sensitivity and how to manage it.
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