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Apical periodontitis diagnosis — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardEndodonticsApical periodontitis diagnosisNDEB AFK

A 40-year-old has dull pain on biting from tooth 2.4. The tooth has a deep restoration, no response to cold, tenderness to percussion, and a periapical radiolucency. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Pulp necrosis with symptomatic apical periodontitis

No response to cold plus percussion tenderness and periapical radiolucency indicate pulp necrosis with symptomatic apical periodontitis. Reversible pulpitis would usually respond to cold and would not produce an apical radiolucency. The pearl is that pulpal and periapical diagnoses should both be recorded because they guide treatment.

Reference: Endodontic reference texts; NDEB KSAs 2024