Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: periodontal versus periapical abscess: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: periodontal versus periapical abscess

Sample item

A lower molar has a tender swelling at the lateral gingiva with a 8 mm pocket. The tooth responds normally to pulp testing, and a radiograph shows lateral bone loss only. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Periodontal abscess

A vital tooth with a deep pocket and lateral radiolucency suggests a periodontal abscess. A periapical abscess is linked to a non-vital pulp and apical radiolucency.

Option by option

  • A. Periapical abscess

    A periapical abscess needs a non-vital pulp and an apical lesion.

  • B. Acute pulpitis

    Acute pulpitis gives spontaneous pain without gingival swelling or deep pocket.

  • C. Periodontal abscess (correct)

    Correct. Vital pulp with deep pocket and lateral bone loss is characteristic.

  • D. Osteomyelitis

    Osteomyelitis gives wider bone destruction and systemic features.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Periodontal abscess. A vital tooth with a deep pocket and lateral radiolucency suggests a periodontal abscess.

Why is "Periapical abscess" not the answer?

A periapical abscess needs a non-vital pulp and an apical lesion.

Why is "Acute pulpitis" not the answer?

Acute pulpitis gives spontaneous pain without gingival swelling or deep pocket.

Why is "Osteomyelitis" not the answer?

Osteomyelitis gives wider bone destruction and systemic features.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: periodontal versus periapical abscess in Dentistry. A periapical abscess is linked to a non-vital pulp and apical radiolucency.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: periodontal versus periapical abscess?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.