Periodontal vs Periapical Abscess — NDEB AFK MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: A — Pulp vitality/sensibility testing (cold test, EPT)
Pulp vitality/sensibility testing is the key differentiating test. A periodontal abscess arises from the periodontium — the affected tooth has a vital pulp (responds normally to cold test and EPT). A periapical abscess arises from a necrotic pulp — the tooth is non-vital (no response to cold or EPT). Radiographic assessment supports the diagnosis but cannot definitively distinguish the two. Probing patterns also differ: periodontal abscess shows a deep isolated pocket; endodontic abscess shows normal probing unless combined endo-perio lesion.
Reference: Newman – Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology, 13th ed., 2019; Torabinejad – Endodontics: Principles and Practice, 6th ed., 2021