What radiographic feature suggests a periapical abscess?

What radiographic feature suggests a periapical abscess?

• A. A radiopaque lesion around the apex with widening of the periodontal ligament space and radiopaque halo
• B. A radiolucent lesion around the apex with widening of the PDL space and possible radiolucent halo
• C. Uniform crest height across teeth
• D. Enlarged pulp chamber

Answer: (B)

A periapical abscess shows up on dental X-rays as a radiolucent (dark) area at the tooth apex because the infection causes bone loss in that region. The inflammatory process also widens the surrounding periodontal ligament space as tissue edema and inflammatory cells accumulate around the apex. Sometimes a radiolucent halo can be seen around the lesion, reflecting a reactive border of soft tissue. The other signs listed—such as a radiopaque lesion, uniform crest height, or an enlarged pulp chamber—do not indicate a periapical abscess.

A periapical abscess shows up on dental X-rays as a radiolucent (dark) area at the tooth apex because the infection causes bone loss in that region. The inflammatory process also widens the surrounding periodontal ligament space as tissue edema and inflammatory cells accumulate around the apex. Sometimes a radiolucent halo can be seen around the lesion, reflecting a reactive border of soft tissue. The other signs listed—such as a radiopaque lesion, uniform crest height, or an enlarged pulp chamber—do not indicate a periapical abscess.