Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Granulomas, cysts, and chronic periapical abscesses, although sharing similar presentations, can be distinctly identified through a biopsy. This procedure involves the removal of a small tissue sample from the lesion for histopathological examination. The microscopic assessment can reveal specific cellular characteristics and structural patterns unique to each type of lesion.

For instance, granulomas are characterized by the presence of a collection of macrophages that can form multinucleated giant cells, while cysts have a distinct epithelial lining and are associated with fluid accumulation. Chronic periapical abscesses often present with necrotic tissue and an inflammatory response that can be identified histologically.

Radiographs, while useful for providing a visual representation of these conditions, mainly show differences in size, shape, and borders rather than specific histological characteristics. Electric pulp tests and thermal testing are diagnostic tools that assess tooth vitality but do not provide histological information to differentiate between granulomas, cysts, and abscesses. Therefore, a biopsy is the definitive method to distinguish these conditions accurately.