Periapical vs Periodontal 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: E — The periapical abscess originates from a non-vital tooth; the periodontal abscess originates from a vital tooth with a deep periodontal pocket
The fundamental distinction is the source: a periapical abscess originates from a necrotic (non-vital) pulp and the tooth does not respond to vitality testing; a periodontal abscess originates from the periodontium of a vital tooth (positive response to vitality testing) with a pre-existing deep periodontal pocket. Treatment differs accordingly: periapical abscess requires endodontic treatment or extraction; periodontal abscess requires drainage through the pocket and periodontal management.
Reference: Newman – Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology, 13th ed., 2019