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Chronic Periapical Abscess — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyEndodonticsChronic Periapical AbscessNDEB AFK

A patient presents with a necrotic pulp and a draining sinus tract on the buccal mucosa adjacent to tooth 21. The tooth has a normal periodontal probing depth and no fracture. What is the most appropriate treatment?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Non-surgical root canal treatment

A draining sinus tract with a necrotic pulp indicates a chronic periapical abscess with a spontaneous drainage pathway. Non-surgical root canal treatment is the first-line treatment. The sinus tract typically heals within weeks to months after successful endodontic therapy. Apicectomy is reserved for cases that fail conventional retreatment. Normal periodontal probings rule out a periodontal cause.

Reference: Torabinejad – Endodontics: Principles and Practice, 6th ed., 2021