Odontogenic infection: 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 · Odontogenic infection

Sample item

What finding is most consistent with a periapical abscess from a nonvital tooth?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Localized swelling near the root apex with tenderness

A periapical abscess forms when infection from necrotic pulp extends beyond the root apex, causing localized pain, percussion tenderness, swelling, or drainage; source control and dental treatment are required.

Option by option

  • A. Diffuse enamel translucency

    Enamel translucency is not an abscess sign.

  • B. Localized swelling near the root apex with tenderness (correct)

    Correct: apical infection commonly produces local tenderness and swelling.

  • C. Bilateral earwax impaction

    Earwax is unrelated to odontogenic infection.

  • D. A painless white tongue coating only

    White tongue coating alone does not identify a periapical dental abscess.

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 B, Localized swelling near the root apex with tenderness. A periapical abscess forms when infection from necrotic pulp extends beyond the root apex, causing localized pain, percussion tenderness, swelling, or drainage; source control and dental treatment are required.

Why is "Diffuse enamel translucency" not the answer?

Enamel translucency is not an abscess sign.

Why is "Bilateral earwax impaction" not the answer?

Earwax is unrelated to odontogenic infection.

Why is "A painless white tongue coating only" not the answer?

White tongue coating alone does not identify a periapical dental abscess.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Odontogenic infection in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: apical infection commonly produces local tenderness and swelling.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Odontogenic infection?

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.