Tag Archives: periapical area

Difference between tooth abscess, cyst, and granuloma

Whenever a lesion is observed on a radiograph, it must first be described in general terms before a differential diagnosis is attempted.  Is the lesion radiolucent, radiopaque, or mixed (combination of radiolucency and radiopacity)?  Where is the lesion located?  The apices of which teeth are involved?  What is the size of the lesion?  Is the margin of the lesion ill-defined, well-defined, or well-defined with a radiopaque border?  Is the appearance of the bone surrounding the lesion: normal, porous, or sclerotic? Continue reading