Which statement about periodontal abscess is true?

• A. They involve the mouth's soft tissues as the only sign.
• B. They are always associated with a necrotic pulp.
• C. They involve the periodontium and may present with swelling and pus.
• D. They never cause bone loss.

Answer: (C)

Periodontal abscess is an infection that stays in the periodontium around a tooth, often starting in a deep periodontal pocket. The hallmark signs are localized swelling of the gingival tissue and purulent drainage from the pocket, which may be observed as pus. The status of the tooth pulp isn’t what defines the abscess—teeth with a periodontal abscess can have a vital or a nonvital pulp, so an abscess isn’t tied to a necrotic pulp. Bone loss can occur as the infection spreads, so the idea that there’s never bone loss isn’t correct. This condition is distinct from a pulpal (periapical) abscess, which arises from the tooth pulp itself.