Pathology · single question
A radiopaque lesion is found at the apex of tooth #23 (mandibular left canine), and the tooth tests VITAL. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia (PCOD)
- A. Incorrect. Condensing osteitis is associated with a NON-vital tooth with pulpal infection.
- B. Incorrect. Cementoblastoma fuses to the root with a radiolucent halo and typically causes pain.
- C. Correct. Periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia (PCOD) presents as mature radiopaque masses at the apices of VITAL mandibular anterior teeth — typically in middle-aged women. Key: vital teeth, no treatment required.
- D. Incorrect. Hypercementosis is excess cementum on the root itself — not a separate apical mass.