DRC DRC Pathology & Radiographic Diagnosis 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a periapical radiograph, a periapical abscess typically appears as:
- A poorly defined radiolucency at the root apex (Correct answer)
- A well-defined radiopaque mass at the root apex
- A widened lamina dura
- A condensed trabecular pattern
Correct answer: A poorly defined radiolucency at the root apex
A periapical abscess typically appears as a poorly defined (diffuse) radiolucency at the root apex due to destruction of surrounding bone by acute infection.
Question 2: A periapical granuloma on a radiograph is most commonly characterized by:
- A well-defined radiolucency at the root apex without a corticated border (Correct answer)
- A well-corticated radiolucency at the root apex
- A radiopaque mass at the apex
- Widening of the PDL space only
Correct answer: A well-defined radiolucency at the root apex without a corticated border
A periapical granuloma appears as a well-defined but non-corticated (no surrounding white cortical bone line) radiolucency at the root apex.
Question 3: Which radiographic feature best distinguishes a radicular cyst from a periapical granuloma?
- A well-defined radiolucency with a corticated (white) border (Correct answer)
- Poorly defined radiolucent margins
- Presence of root resorption
- Location at the furcation area
Correct answer: A well-defined radiolucency with a corticated (white) border
A radicular cyst is distinguished by a well-defined radiolucency with a corticated (sclerotic) white border, unlike the granuloma which lacks this distinct cortical rim.
Question 4: Horizontal bone loss visible on bitewing radiographs is most consistent with which condition?
- Chronic periodontitis (Correct answer)
- Aggressive localized periodontitis
- Periapical abscess
- Pulpal necrosis
Correct answer: Chronic periodontitis
Horizontal bone loss, where the alveolar crest is uniformly reduced in height parallel to the CEJ, is the most common pattern seen in chronic periodontitis.
Question 5: Dental caries on a bitewing radiograph first appears as:
- A small radiolucent notch at the contact area of the enamel (Correct answer)
- A large radiolucent area extending into the pulp
- A radiopaque band within dentin
- A widening of the pulp chamber
Correct answer: A small radiolucent notch at the contact area of the enamel
Interproximal caries first appears radiographically as a small, triangular-shaped radiolucency at the contact area in the enamel before progressing to dentin.
Question 6: Condensing osteitis is a radiographic finding that appears as:
- A radiopaque area surrounding a root apex with a history of pulpitis (Correct answer)
- A radiolucent periapical lesion
- A well-corticated cystic lesion
- Generalized loss of lamina dura
Correct answer: A radiopaque area surrounding a root apex with a history of pulpitis
Condensing osteitis appears as a diffuse radiopaque (sclerotic) area around a root apex, representing a bony reaction to low-grade chronic pulpal inflammation.
DRC DRC Pathology & Radiographic Diagnosis 1
On a periapical radiograph, a periapical abscess typically appears as: