Oral Surgery · single question
Same case (pericoronitis). What is the most appropriate treatment?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Extraction of the mandibular left third molar
The treatment for pericoronitis is removal of the CAUSATIVE tooth — the partially erupted THIRD MOLAR. The third molar's operculum is the source of infection. Once the third molar is extracted, the tissue heals and the deep distal pocket on the second molar resolves. The second molar itself is healthy — its only problem is proximity to the infected third molar.
- A. INCORRECT. Extracting the second molar (the tooth being AFFECTED by pericoronitis, not causing it) would be incorrect. The second molar is not the problem — the third molar is.
- B. INCORRECT. Root canal therapy addresses pulpal/periapical pathology — the second molar does not have pulpal disease in this scenario.
- C. CORRECT. Extraction of the MANDIBULAR LEFT THIRD MOLAR removes the source of pericoronitis. This allows healing of the pericoronary tissue and resolution of the distal pocket on the second molar.
- D. INCORRECT. Pulpotomy is an endodontic procedure for vital primary teeth — not applicable here.