Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What type of dental abscess is characterized by painful, large swelling adjacent to an extraction site?

1. Periapical abscess

2. Subperiosteal abscess

3. Periodontal abscess

4. Fistula

The correct answer is: Subperiosteal abscess

The type of dental abscess characterized by a painful, large swelling adjacent to an extraction site is a subperiosteal abscess. Subperiosteal abscesses typically occur in the area overlying the bone, often as a complication of infection after dental procedures such as extractions. The swelling is due to the accumulation of pus beneath the periosteum, which can cause significant pain and discomfort. This is particularly relevant in the context of an extraction site, as the surgical manipulation can lead to infection and subsequent abscess formation in that region. In contrast, periapical abscesses are associated with the apex of the tooth root and primarily result from pulp necrosis, while periodontal abscesses are linked to the periodontal tissue and typically arise from the supporting structures of the teeth. A fistula, on the other hand, refers to an abnormal connection between two epithelial surfaces, commonly found in cases of chronic infection but does not specifically describe the painful swelling adjacent to an extraction site. The nature and location of the swelling is key to identifying the subperiosteal abscess as the correct answer in this scenario.