Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: abscess pattern in primary molars: 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 · Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: abscess pattern in primary molars

Sample item

An 8-year-old has a gum swelling and sinus beside a lower second primary molar. The radiograph shows radiolucency in the furcation rather than at the apices. Why?

AAccessory canals in the pulpal floor allow infection to spread to the furcationBA dentigerous cyst has formed around the molarCPrimary teeth have no apical foramenDA periodontal pocket from the permanent tooth germ

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Accessory canals in the pulpal floor allow infection to spread to the furcation

Primary molars have a thin pulpal floor with accessory canals, so infection exits at the furcation. This differs from the periapical pattern in permanent molars.

Option by option

A. Accessory canals in the pulpal floor allow infection to spread to the furcation (correct)
Correct. Furcation radiolucency is typical of infected primary molars.
B. A dentigerous cyst has formed around the molar
A dentigerous cyst surrounds the crown of an unerupted tooth.
C. Primary teeth have no apical foramen
Primary teeth do have apical foramina, though they may resorb.
D. A periodontal pocket from the permanent tooth germ
The follicle of the permanent tooth does not create a pocket.

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.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Accessory canals in the pulpal floor allow infection to spread to the furcation. Primary molars have a thin pulpal floor with accessory canals, so infection exits at the furcation.

Why is "A dentigerous cyst has formed around the molar" not the answer?

A dentigerous cyst surrounds the crown of an unerupted tooth.

Why is "Primary teeth have no apical foramen" not the answer?

Primary teeth do have apical foramina, though they may resorb.

Why is "A periodontal pocket from the permanent tooth germ" not the answer?

The follicle of the permanent tooth does not create a pocket.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: abscess pattern in primary molars in Dentistry. This differs from the periapical pattern in permanent molars.

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 Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: abscess pattern in primary molars?

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.