Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What type of abscess forms in the gingival tissue?

1. Periapical abscess

2. Periodontal abscess

3. Dental abscess

4. Chronic abscess

The correct answer is: Periodontal abscess

A periodontal abscess specifically forms in the gingival tissue, which surrounds the teeth. This type of abscess is typically associated with periodontal disease, where the infection originates in the periodontal pockets adjacent to the tooth. It can be characterized by localized pain, swelling, and sometimes pus accumulation, highlighting the involvement of the gingival tissue. In contrast, a periapical abscess arises at the apex of the tooth root and is primarily related to pulp infection, usually due to dental caries. A dental abscess is a more general term that can encompass different types of abscesses, including both periapical and periodontal abscesses, but it does not specify the location as being within the gingival tissue. A chronic abscess refers to a long-standing accumulation of pus that may not be specifically associated with any one type of tissue or location, further distinguishing it from the periodontal abscess focused in the gingival area.