National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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Prepare for the NBDHE Dental Hygienist Exam. Enhance your skills with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What impact does root hypersensitivity have on dental procedures?

  1. It indicates a need for antimicrobial treatment

  2. It signals the potential for tooth loss

  3. It may preclude certain treatments like air polishing

  4. It enhances the effectiveness of fluoride treatments

The correct answer is: It may preclude certain treatments like air polishing

Root hypersensitivity is a common condition that occurs when the dentin becomes exposed due to the recession of the gums or erosion of enamel. This exposure leads to a heightened response to stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances. When considering dental procedures, the presence of root hypersensitivity is significant because it can affect the patient's comfort and the choice of procedures performed. In the context of dental treatments, certain procedures may need to be modified or avoided altogether if a patient is experiencing root hypersensitivity. For example, air polishing techniques can exacerbate discomfort due to the powerful jets of air and abrasive particles used, which can elicit sharp sensations in sensitive areas. Therefore, the potential for discomfort during these procedures mandates caution and may lead to the decision to preclude their use in affected individuals. This understanding highlights the importance of assessing a patient's sensitivity levels before proceeding with various dental treatments, ensuring that the patient's experience is as comfortable as possible while still providing effective care.