MCQs on Deep Dental Caries

In deep dental carious lesions, which zone of dentin must be removed during caries excavation?

• Outer infected dentin

• Inner affected dentin

• Sclerotic dentin

• Peritubular dentin

Which bacteria are most commonly found in deep carious lesions?

• Streptococcus mutans

• Lactobacilli

• Veillonella

• Staphylococcus aureus

Turbid dentin in deep caries is characterized by:

• High remineralization capacity

• Irreversible collagen breakdown

• Increased mineral content

• Decreased bacterial infection

Caries is extensive when:

• Lesion limited to enamel

• Distance between infected dentin and pulp is 1mm

• Facio-lingual extension up to cuspal lines

• Both B and C

The preferred caries removal strategy in teeth with vital, symptom-free pulp and deep lesions is:

• Complete caries removal

• Selective (partial) removal

• Direct pulpotomy

• Extraction

Which restorative material is traditionally recommended for indirect pulp capping in deep caries?

• Composite resin

• Calcium hydroxide

• Glass ionomer cement

• Biodentine

The risk associated with complete caries removal technique in deep caries is:

• Residual caries

• Pulpal exposure

• Marginal leakage

• None of the above

Which radiographic feature most reliably indicates deep carious demineralization?

• Increased radiopacity

• Radiolucency extending towards pulp

• Cusp tip shadow

• Well-defined enamel margin

How does remaining dentin thickness affect pulpal response during restoration?

• Increased thickness protects pulp

• Decreased thickness improves pulp healing

• No effect if restorative material is strong

• Thicker dentin means higher bacterial load

Stepwise caries excavation is performed to:

• Minimize pulp exposure

• Remove all affected dentin in one visit

• Increase restoration cost

• Decrease reparative dentin formation