An asymptomatic tooth has deep caries on occlusal surface. Radiograph shows radiopaque mass at apex of the tooth. This mass is most likely to be:

 # An asymptomatic tooth has deep caries on occlusal surface. Radiograph shows radiopaque mass at apex of the tooth. This  mass is most likely to be:

A. Cementoma

B. Condensing osteitis

C. Chronic apical periodontitis

D. Acute apical periodontitis

The correct answer is B. Condensing osteitis.

In condensing osteitis, radiographs demonstrate radiopacity which is not attached to tooth, entire root outline is visible, lamina dura intact and periodontal ligament is widened. These features differentiate it from cementoblastoma, in which the radiopacity is attached to tooth, lamina dura absent and root outline is not visible. In condensing osteitis the tooth may be vital or non-vital.

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