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Endodontics · single question

What is the source of infection for this periapical abscess?

  1. Caries (leading to pulpal necrosis)
  2. Occlusal trauma
  3. A deep periodontal pocket
  4. A salivary gland stone
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Correct answer: A. Caries (leading to pulpal necrosis)

  • A. Correct. The extensive caries allowed bacteria to reach and necrose the pulp; the infection then exited the apex to form the PERIAPICAL abscess. The pathway is caries -> pulpitis -> pulpal necrosis -> periapical abscess.
  • B. Occlusal trauma alone does not seed a bacterial periapical infection.
  • C. A periodontal pocket would cause a PERIODONTAL abscess (lateral to the root), not a periapical one of pulpal origin.
  • D. A salivary stone affects glands/ducts, not the tooth pulp.

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