Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

A periodontal abscess typically presents with more severe pain and increased tenderness on biting compared to a periapical abscess. The reason for the difference involves the anatomical areas affected and the mechanisms underlying the conditions.

In a periodontal abscess, infection arises from the gingival tissue and is often associated with periodontal pockets. This can lead to significant inflammation and localized swelling, resulting in more intense pain when pressure is applied, such as during biting. The pain typically increases with function due to the inflammation in the supporting structures of the tooth, leading to a painful sensation.

On the other hand, a periapical abscess primarily originates from the pulp of the tooth and is characterized by a more diffuse pain, which may not be as sharply localized. Although the pain can still be significant, it is often described as a dull ache rather than the acute, sharp pain associated with periodontal abscesses when biting.

Hence, it is accurate to assert that the correct answer reflects the clinical presentation of these two types of abscesses, with periodontal abscesses showing more severe pain and increased discomfort upon biting.