National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

When a periapical abscess forms, it indicates what?

1. The gums are infected

2. A cavity

3. A dead or dying tooth root

4. Plaque build-up

The correct answer is: A dead or dying tooth root

The formation of a periapical abscess is a significant indicator of infection at the root of a tooth, often resulting from untreated dental caries or trauma that has led to pulp necrosis. In this condition, bacteria invade the pulp tissue, resulting in inflammation and pus accumulation. The presence of this pus in the periapical region signifies that the tooth's nerve is likely dead or dying, leading to the abscess formation. Thus, it is a direct reflection of the health status of the tooth root and indicates that the tooth is no longer vital. Other options, while related to dental health, do not accurately depict the situation with a periapical abscess. Infections of the gums might indicate periodontal issues but are different from the situation occurring at the root of a tooth. A cavity refers to the decay in the hard tissues of the tooth but does not specifically imply the formation of an abscess. Lastly, while plaque build-up contributes to dental problems, it is a more general factor and does not specifically relate to the localized infection that characterizes a periapical abscess.