Oral and maxillofacial surgery: buccal space infection: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral and maxillofacial surgery: buccal space infection

Sample item

An abscess from an upper canine presents as swelling between the upper lip and the infraorbital region, obliterating the nasolabial fold. Which space is involved?

ABuccal spaceBSubmasseteric spaceCCanine spaceDParapharyngeal space

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Canine space

The canine space lies between the levator anguli oris and levator labii superioris. Infection of the upper canine spreads here, causing swelling that obliterates the nasolabial fold and may extend to the lower eyelid.

Option by option

A. Buccal space
The buccal space gives cheek swelling lower down.
B. Submasseteric space
The submasseteric space lies deep to the masseter near the angle of the mandible with trismus.
C. Canine space (correct)
Correct. This swelling pattern is typical of the canine space.
D. Parapharyngeal space
The parapharyngeal space gives swelling of the lateral pharyngeal wall.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Canine space. The canine space lies between the levator anguli oris and levator labii superioris.

Why is "Buccal space" not the answer?

The buccal space gives cheek swelling lower down.

Why is "Submasseteric space" not the answer?

The submasseteric space lies deep to the masseter near the angle of the mandible with trismus.

Why is "Parapharyngeal space" not the answer?

The parapharyngeal space gives swelling of the lateral pharyngeal wall.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral and maxillofacial surgery: buccal space infection in Dentistry. Infection of the upper canine spreads here, causing swelling that obliterates the nasolabial fold and may extend to the lower eyelid.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral and maxillofacial surgery: buccal space infection?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.