Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

Azithromycin is commonly used in the treatment of which dental condition?

1. Localized aggressive periodontitis

2. Periapical abscess

3. Orofacial pain syndromes

4. Dental caries

The correct answer is: Periapical abscess

Azithromycin is commonly used in the treatment of a periapical abscess due to its effectiveness as an antibiotic in managing infections related to dental and oral health. A periapical abscess is a localized accumulation of pus at the apex of a tooth root, often resulting from untreated dental caries, trauma, or periodontal disease. The antibacterial properties of azithromycin help control the infection by reducing the bacterial load, alleviating symptoms, and facilitating healing. This medication is preferred in certain scenarios, particularly when a patient may have allergies to penicillin or when there is a need for a broader spectrum of activity against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that can contribute to the abscess formation. While localized aggressive periodontitis, orofacial pain syndromes, and dental caries are significant dental concerns, their treatment protocols typically do not prioritize azithromycin as the first choice. Localized aggressive periodontitis often requires a combination of scaling, root planing, and potentially other systemic antibiotics, depending on the case. Orofacial pain syndromes may necessitate different approaches such as analgesics or anti-inflammatory medications rather than antibiotics like azithromycin. Dental caries are primarily managed through restorative procedures rather than antibiotic therapy, unless an infection is present