Cellulitis vs Abscess — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Cellulitis is diffuse soft-tissue spread; a pointing abscess is a localised collection of pus
Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · C = shown as B · D = shown as C · E = shown as D · A = shown as E
A is correct. Cellulitis denotes diffuse spread of infection through soft tissues, whereas a pointing abscess represents a localised, pus-containing collection. UK SDCEP guidance treats cellulitis as evidence of spreading infection, while local measures—including drainage—are first-line for an abscess when there is no spreading or systemic infection. B reverses the definitions. C is incorrect because neither condition is defined by confinement to gingiva or bone. D is incorrect because pain is variable and does not reliably distinguish the two. E is wrong: a localised abscess requires drainage of pus and treatment of the source, such as root canal treatment or extraction where appropriate; antibiotics are adjunctive when infection is spreading, systemic, or drainage cannot be achieved.
Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Management of Acute Dental Problems, "Management of spreading or systemic infection"; current webpage accessed July 2026. https://www.acutedentalproblems.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/overarching-principles/management-of-spreading-or-systemic-infection/