Question

The patient with rheumatic heart disease should be of special concern to a dentist during endodontic treatment because

A. underinstrumentation during treatment of vital cases results in bacteremias.
B. overinstrumentation during treatment of infected cases results in bacteremias.
C. endodontic infections are caused by the etiologic agent responsible for streptococcal sore throat.
D. bacteremias occur during and following the cutting of enamel or dentin with high-speed instruments.

Answer 1

Over-instrumentation during endodontic treatment of infected cases can result in bacteremias, which can lead to infective endocarditis in patients with rheumatic heart disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient with rheumatic heart disease should be of special concern to a dentist during endodontic treatment because over-instrumentation during treatment of infected cases results in bacteremias. Bacteremias occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream, and in individuals with rheumatic heart disease, the presence of bacteria in the blood can lead to infective endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart. Therefore, dentists need to be cautious during endodontic treatment to minimize the risk of bacteremias and the potential complications they can cause.