A patient has had generalized periodontal disease for 2 years and now presents with a periapical (endodontic) lesion on one specific tooth (combined endo-perio lesion). The recommended sequence is:

Correct answer: B. Treat the endodontics first, then re-evaluate/treat the periodontal component

• A. Doing perio first can disrupt healing if the primary source is endodontic; the endodontic infection should be controlled first.
• B. Correct. When a clear endodontic (periapical) component exists, perform root canal therapy first; many lesions resolve once the canal infection is eliminated. Re-evaluate the periodontal component afterward.
• C. Extraction is premature if the tooth is restorable and the lesion may resolve.
• D. Simultaneous treatment is not the standard sequencing for combined lesions with a clear endodontic source.