Start practicing

Oral Surgery · single question

A mandibular second molar infection — which neck space will it MOST likely invade FIRST?

  1. Sublingual space
  2. Submandibular space
  3. Pterygomandibular space
  4. Lateral pharyngeal space
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Submandibular space

The apices of mandibular second (and third) molars lie BELOW the mylohyoid muscle attachment → infection drains into the SUBMANDIBULAR space. Mandibular anterior teeth and first premolars apex ABOVE mylohyoid → sublingual space. Mandibular wisdom teeth → submandibular/pterygomandibular/lateral pharyngeal. Molar 2 = submandibular first.

Practice Oral Surgery questions Oral Surgery study notes

More Oral Surgery practice questions