Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which type of abscess may lead to swelling of the gums?

1. Periodontal abscess

2. Periapical abscess

3. Dental caries

4. Pulpitis

The correct answer is: Periodontal abscess

A periodontal abscess is associated with the tissues surrounding the teeth, specifically the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. This type of abscess forms in reaction to bacterial infection in the periodontal pocket, which is the space between the teeth and the gums. The infection leads to inflammation and can result in localized swelling of the gums, often presenting as a painful, red, and swollen area. This swelling is typically a direct response to the body’s immune reaction to the infection. In contrast, a periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the root of a tooth and is usually related to pulp infection rather than the gums themselves. Dental caries is the decay of the tooth structure and doesn't directly cause gum swelling. Pulpitis refers to inflammation of the dental pulp and may lead to a periapical abscess but does not typically cause gum swelling. Therefore, periodontal abscesses are specifically associated with swelling of the gums due to their location and the nature of the infection.