Question 1

A periodontal abscess is usually characterized by:

Accepted Answer

A periodontal abscess typically presents with pain, swelling, and discomfort in the affected area. Additionally, the tooth may also be sensitive to pressure. Therefore, answer choice E, which includes all of the above symptoms, is the correct answer.

Question 2

Which disease is highly infectious?

Accepted Answer

Acute herpetic gingivostomatitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is highly infectious. It can easily be spread through contact with saliva, making it important to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with those infected.

Question 3

The tissue associated with the pericoronitis infection is called the:

Accepted Answer

The tissue that covers a partially erupted tooth and can become infected with pericoronitis is called the operculum.

Question 4

The pericoronitis infection should be fully débrided with instruments at the first visit.Antibiotics should always be prescribed when treating these infections.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The pericoronitis infection should be fully débrided...

Question 5

The periodontal emergency that occurs in an otherwise healthy periodontium is usually:

Accepted Answer

A gingival abscess is a localized, acute infection of the gingiva that occurs in an otherwise healthy periodontium. It is usually caused by food or debris becoming trapped in the sulcus, leading to bacterial growth and inflammation. Other options such as pericoronitis, periapical abscess, acute and chronic periodontal abscess usually occur in cases of pre-existing periodontal disease.

Question 6

NUG infections are associated with which of the following microflorae?

Accepted Answer

Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) is associated with Gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria thrive in the absence of oxygen and are known to cause the tissue necrosis and ulceration characteristic of NUG.

Question 7

NUG is a periodontal infection associated with all of the following predisposing factors except one.Which factor is the exception?

Accepted Answer

All of the options except E are predisposing factors for NUG. Flaps of tissue on teeth are not typically considered a contributing factor to the development of NUG.

Question 8

All of the following characteristics are typically found in cases of NUG except one.Which characteristic is the exception?

Accepted Answer

NUG is characterized by bleeding, fetor oris, and necrosis of the papillae. However, it is not painless - patients often report severe pain and discomfort. Smoking is also a risk factor for NUG.

Question 9

A periapical abscess is an infectious process originating and spreading from the periodontal pocket to the pulp.A periapical abscess is an infectious process originating and spreading from the pulp to the periodontal pocket.

Accepted Answer

A periapical abscess originates from the pulp of the tooth and spreads outward, not from the periodontal pocket to the pulp. The infection starts in the pulp and can extend to the periapical tissues, causing an abscess.

Question 10

The tooth most likely to be associated with pericoronitis is the:

Accepted Answer

Pericoronitis is an infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the crown of a partially erupted tooth, most commonly the mandibular third molar.

Question 11

Periapical pain tends to be sharp,severe,intermittent,and difficult to localize.Periodontal pain tends to be sharp,severe,intermittent,and difficult to localize.

Accepted Answer

Periapical pain, often resulting from pulpitis or infection at the apex of the tooth, is typically sharp, severe, intermittent, and difficult to localize due to the way pain fibers transmit signals from the affected area. Periodontal pain, associated with gum disease or infection, tends to be more constant, localized, and can be associated with swelling or bleeding, making the second statement false.

Question 12

What is the term for an emergency condition that is associated with partially or fully erupted teeth?

Accepted Answer

Pericoronitis is an emergency condition that occurs when the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth becomes inflamed and infected. It is most commonly seen in wisdom teeth and can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth. Choices B through E are types of dental abscesses, but they are not specific to partially or fully erupted teeth.

Question 13

Options for definitive treatment of pericoronitis include all of the following except one.Which option is the exception?

Accepted Answer

Extraction of the tooth (A) is a definitive treatment option if the pericoronitis is recurring and severe or if the tooth is impacted and causing repeated infections. Removal of the excess tissue (B) can also provide definitive treatment by preventing food and debris from accumulating under the flap of tissue and causing further infection. Scaling and gingival curettage (C) are non-surgical treatment options that aim to clean the affected area and promote healing, but they may not provide definitive treatment for pericoronitis.

Question 14

A periapical abscess that is draining can resemble which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A periodontal abscess can present with similar symptoms to a draining periapical abscess, as both involve localized swelling, pain, and when drained may produce purulent exudate. However, a periodontal abscess typically arises from infection within the periodontal pocket and involves destruction of the surrounding periodontal tissues, while a periapical abscess arises from a dental pulp infection and involves the destruction of bone at the apex of the affected tooth. Pericoronitis (A) is the inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding a partially erupted tooth, typically a wisdom tooth, and is not related to a periapical abscess. An allergic reaction (B) would not be related to dental pathology, and linear gingival erythema (D) is a clinical presentation of HIV-associated periodontitis that is not associated with abscess formation.

Question 15

A periapical abscess must be treated as soon as possible.Periapical abscesses can lead to life-threatening situations.

Accepted Answer

Both statements are true. A periapical abscess, which is a collection of pus at the root of a tooth, must be treated promptly to prevent the spread of infection. If left untreated, it can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

Question 16

The periodontal abscess is the result of bacteria that have become established in the tissues as a result of which of the following causes?

Accepted Answer

The periodontal abscess is the result of incomplete scaling and root planing, advancing disease, and trauma, as these factors can allow bacteria to establish themselves in the tissues and cause an infection. Without effective treatment, the abscess can worsen and lead to further inflammation and tissue damage.

Question 17

The patient is likely to relate experiencing previous episodes of swelling and pain with which type of periodontal emergency?

Accepted Answer

Chronic periodontal abscesses often present with a history of intermittent episodes of swelling and discomfort, as the condition can be recurrent or persistent over time, leading to periods of exacerbation and remission.

Question 18

The role of the dental hygienist in dealing with emergent conditions always includes:

Accepted Answer

The role of the dental hygienist in dealing with emergent conditions is to recognize the condition and refer the patient to the appropriate healthcare provider. While dental hygienists may be able to provide some treatment for emergent conditions, such as applying pressure to control bleeding or applying a topical anesthetic to relieve pain, they should not attempt to treat conditions beyond their scope of practice. It is important for dental hygienists to have knowledge and training in recognizing emergent conditions and to have a plan in place for referring patients to the appropriate healthcare provider for further treatment.

Question 19

Most painful teeth are the result of periapical abscesses.In the periodontist's office,patients are more likely to have periodontal abscesses than periapical abscesses.

Accepted Answer

Both statements are accurate. Most painful teeth are indeed often the result of periapical abscesses, which occur at the tip of the tooth's root. In a periodontist's office, patients are more likely to have periodontal abscesses than periapical abscesses because periodontists specialize in the treatment of gum disease and conditions affecting the structures supporting the teeth, where periodontal abscesses occur.

Question 20

The opening of a sinus track associated with a tooth in the primary dentition is most likely related to:

Accepted Answer

The opening of a sinus track associated with a tooth in the primary dentition is most likely due to a periapical abscess, caused by an infection in the tooth's pulp that spreads to surrounding tissues and can eventually result in a tract or fistula opening through the skin. Pericoronitis is inflammation around the crown of an erupting tooth, while gingival and periodontal abscesses are caused by infection in gum tissues rather than the tooth itself.

Quiz 16: Periodontal Emergencies