National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the National Dental Assisting Exam with comprehensive quiz questions, including multiple choice and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

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 condition would indicate the need for restorative dentistry?

  1. Healthy teeth with no damage

  2. Bleeding gums

  3. Initial or recurring decay

  4. Tooth whitening

The correct answer is: Initial or recurring decay

Restorative dentistry encompasses a range of procedures aimed at repairing, replacing, or restoring teeth that are compromised due to decay, damage, or disease. The presence of initial or recurring decay is a clear indication for restorative treatment because decay signifies that the tooth structure has been undermined, potentially leading to further complications if not addressed. Restorative dentistry focuses on preserving the functionality and aesthetics of the tooth, which may include fillings, crowns, or other interventions to treat the affected areas. Healthy teeth with no damage do not require restorative dentistry since they remain intact. Bleeding gums might indicate periodontal disease, which necessitates periodontal treatment rather than direct restorative measures. Tooth whitening is a cosmetic procedure aimed at improving the appearance of teeth but does not address any structural integrity issues, thus it falls outside the realm of restorative needs. Therefore, the presence of initial or recurring decay directly correlates to the need for restorative dentistry.