Endodontics: acute apical abscess: 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 · Endodontics: acute apical abscess

Sample item

A patient has severe localized dental pain, a tender tooth to percussion, facial swelling, and pus at the apex. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Acute apical abscess

An acute apical abscess is a localized collection of pus around a tooth apex, usually after pulpal necrosis. Drainage and removal of the source are central to management.

Option by option

  • A. Dentin hypersensitivity

    Dentin hypersensitivity causes short sharp stimulus-related pain without infection.

  • B. Reversible pulpitis

    Reversible pulpitis does not produce facial swelling or pus.

  • C. Acute apical abscess (correct)

    Correct. Percussion tenderness, swelling, and apical pus fit an acute apical abscess.

  • D. Pericoronitis

    Pericoronitis is inflammation around an erupting, usually mandibular, third molar.

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.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Acute apical abscess. An acute apical abscess is a localized collection of pus around a tooth apex, usually after pulpal necrosis.

Why is "Dentin hypersensitivity" not the answer?

Dentin hypersensitivity causes short sharp stimulus-related pain without infection.

Why is "Reversible pulpitis" not the answer?

Reversible pulpitis does not produce facial swelling or pus.

Why is "Pericoronitis" not the answer?

Pericoronitis is inflammation around an erupting, usually mandibular, third molar.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endodontics: acute apical abscess in Dentistry. Drainage and removal of the source are central to management.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Endodontics: acute apical abscess?

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.