Oral Surgery · single question
Which maxillary premolar infection spreads to the buccal space?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Buccal
The spread of dental infection depends on the relationship of the root apex to muscular attachments. Maxillary PREMOLAR abscesses drain BUCCALLY (to the buccal vestibule/buccal space) because: the buccinator muscle attaches at the level of the premolar-molar junction, and premolar root apices are typically ABOVE the level of the buccinator attachment — infection tracks buccally above the buccinator into the buccal vestibule/space.
- A. INCORRECT. Lingual spread would occur if the root apex were lingual to muscular attachments. Maxillary premolars spread buccally.
- B. INCORRECT. Canine space infections originate from the canine fossa region (upper canine/lateral incisor), not the premolars.
- C. INCORRECT. Pharyngeal space infections represent advanced spreading from posterior mandibular or maxillary infections — not the primary spread from a premolar.
- D. CORRECT. Maxillary premolar infections spread to the BUCCAL space/buccal vestibule. The root apices are above the buccinator attachment level, so pus tracks buccally into the buccal vestibule.