Needle Aspiration Before I&D — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateOral SurgeryNeedle Aspiration Before I&DNDEB AFK

Which of the following tests is used to confirm the presence of pus in a fluctuant dental abscess before performing incision and drainage?

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

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Correct answer: C — Needle aspiration (aspirating with a large-bore needle and syringe)

Explanation lettering: C = shown as B · B = shown as C · E = shown as D · D = shown as E

Needle aspiration (using a large-bore needle, 18G, attached to a syringe) of a fluctuant swelling before I&D serves two purposes: (1) confirms the presence of purulent material (pus) — positive aspiration of pus confirms that the abscess is ready for drainage; (2) the aspirated material can be submitted for culture and sensitivity testing (especially important for severe infections or immunocompromised patients). If aspiration is negative (no pus), the swelling may represent cellulitis or early abscess formation that has not yet localised, and I&D may be deferred pending further antibiotic therapy.

Reference: Hupp – Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 7th ed., 2019