National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

In dental terms, what does thermal shock refer to?

1. Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold

2. Injury caused by extreme temperatures

3. Changes in the structure of the tooth

4. Infection in dental pulp

The correct answer is: Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold

Thermal shock in dental terms primarily refers to the phenomenon where a tooth displays sensitivity to various temperatures, particularly hot and cold. This sensitivity occurs due to the reaction of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues to rapid changes in temperature, which can affect the nerves within the tooth. When a tooth is exposed to extreme temperature changes, it may cause discomfort or pain, indicating that the tooth is experiencing thermal shock. This is particularly relevant for restorative materials and their interaction with natural teeth because different materials may expand or contract at different rates, contributing to this sensitivity. The other options relate to different aspects of dental health. Injury from extreme temperatures can cause damage, but thermal shock specifically describes the sensitivity response. Changes in the structure of the tooth encompass a broader range of issues, and while they can be impacted by temperature, they do not define thermal shock. Infection in dental pulp is a condition related to infection but does not address the immediate sensory effects brought on by temperature fluctuations. Thus, sensitivity to hot and cold is the most accurate representation of thermal shock in the context of dental terminology.