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Pathology · single question

Which best describes a 'parulis'?

  1. A fluctuant swelling representing the intraoral opening of a draining sinus tract from a chronic periapical (or periodontal) infection — a 'gum boil'
  2. A benign fibrous nodule from chronic mechanical irritation
  3. A vascular malformation of the gingiva
  4. Pericoronal infection/swelling around an erupting molar
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Correct answer: A. A fluctuant swelling representing the intraoral opening of a draining sinus tract from a chronic periapical (or periodontal) infection — a 'gum boil'

A parulis is the visible opening (stoma) of a chronic draining sinus tract, most often from a necrotic/chronically infected tooth. It typically resolves once the source of infection (often via root canal therapy) is treated — incising/draining the parulis itself does not address the underlying cause.

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