Endodontics: apical periodontitis: 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 · Endodontics: apical periodontitis

Sample item

A necrotic tooth is tender to biting and has a periapical radiolucency. What diagnosis is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Symptomatic apical periodontitis

Apical periodontitis is inflammation around the root apex, commonly caused by microbial infection from a necrotic pulp. Periapical radiolucency reflects bone resorption in chronic lesions.

Option by option

  • A. Normal pulp

    A normal pulp would not create apical pathology.

  • B. Symptomatic apical periodontitis (correct)

    Correct. Bite tenderness with apical radiolucency indicates apical periodontal inflammation.

  • C. Reversible pulpitis

    Reversible pulpitis has vital pulp with brief stimulus pain.

  • D. Gingivitis only

    Gingivitis is limited to marginal gingiva.

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, Symptomatic apical periodontitis. Apical periodontitis is inflammation around the root apex, commonly caused by microbial infection from a necrotic pulp.

Why is "Normal pulp" not the answer?

A normal pulp would not create apical pathology.

Why is "Reversible pulpitis" not the answer?

Reversible pulpitis has vital pulp with brief stimulus pain.

Why is "Gingivitis only" not the answer?

Gingivitis is limited to marginal gingiva.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endodontics: apical periodontitis in Dentistry. Periapical radiolucency reflects bone resorption in chronic lesions.

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 Endodontics: apical periodontitis?

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.