Microbiology of Root Canal Infections

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the process initiated by osteoclasts or odontoclasts, causing the formation of resorptive lesions in the pulp?

Calcification
Periapical healing
Pulp stones
Internal resorption (correct)

Which factor influences healing by preventing inflammation before it happens?

Corticosteroids
NSAID (correct)
Inherent loss of host factors
Systemic dz

What is used to irrigate root canals but does not dissolve tissue?

Root canal sealer paste
Gutta percha
EDTA (correct)
Calcification

What does gutta percha without sealer lead to in root canal treatment?

Failed RCT (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the radiographic evidence of increased mineralization causing deposits of hard dentinal tissue in the pulp space?

Calcification (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of odontoblasts in the pulp tissue?

Secreting dentin and interacting with dental epithelium (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of A Delta fibers in the pulp tissue?

Sharp response to thermal change and extending between odontoblasts (B) Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of deep scaling near the pulp?

Increased dentin permeability and pulp irritation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of inflammation in periapical tissue?

Impact injuries and over-instrumentation of root canals (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant cause of inflammation in the pulp tissue?

Microbial irritants (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of creating an opening in an infected tooth during an endodontic procedure?

To remove the infection (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a plugger to fill the canals with gutta percha during a root canal?

To seal the canals and prevent re-infection (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of endodontic treatment failure?

Bacterial contamination (A) Signup and view all the answers

What could dark teeth indicate in relation to pulp vitality?

Necrotic root (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are biofilms in the context of endodontic infections?

Micro-colonies of bacteria that attach to dentin and form a physical barrier to antibiotics (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might a fistula not be a true fistula?

It may actually be a pocket of infection (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which microbiome is commonly associated with endodontic infections?

Lactobacilli and gram negative bacteria (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is taking an antibiotic alone not sufficient to address the bacteria in an infected tooth?

The antibiotic may not effectively reach the source of infection within the tooth (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for survival of vital pulp under severe inflammation in teeth with immature apices?

More collateral circulation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What leads to the transition from reversible to irreversible pulpitis?

Inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins (D) Signup and view all the answers