NEET-PG 2023 — Dental

Q: What is the treatment of choice for a post-operative abscess?

Image guided aspiration. ***Image-guided aspiration*** - This is often the **first-line treatment** for a post-operative abscess, especially if it is well-localized. - It involves **draining the pus** under imaging guidance, relieving pressure and removing the infectious material. *Hydration* - While important for overall patient management, especially in cases of infection or sepsis, **hydration alone does not treat an abscess**. - It is a supportive measure but does not address the **localized collection of pus**. *IV antibiotics* - Antibiotics are typically indicated as an **adjunct to drainage**, especially in cases of systemic infection or cellulitis. - However, **antibiotics alone are often insufficient** to resolve an abscess as they have difficulty penetrating the necrotic core and thick capsule. *Reexploration* - **Surgical reexploration** is a more invasive option usually reserved for abscesses that are **large, multiloculated, not amenable to percutaneous drainage**, or when initial drainage attempts fail. - It carries greater risks and is not the initial treatment of choice for every post-operative abscess. [Practice more Dental PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which muscle is attached to the disc of the temporomandibular joint?

Lateral pterygoid. ***Lateral pterygoid*** - The superior head of the **lateral pterygoid muscle** inserts directly into the **articular disc** and the neck of the condyle, playing a crucial role in the movement and stability of the TMJ. - Its contraction pulls the disc and condyle forward during mouth opening and protrusion. *Buccinator* - The buccinator muscle forms the **muscular portion of the cheek** and is primarily involved in smiling, whistling, and preventing food from accumulating between the teeth and cheeks. - It does not have any direct attachment to the temporomandibular joint or its disc, as it is located superficially and anteriorly to the joint. *Masseter* - The masseter is a powerful muscle that **elevates the mandible** (closes the mouth) and assists in protrusion. - While it is a muscle of mastication and originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts into the lateral surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible, it **does not attach to the articular disc** of the TMJ. *Temporalis* - The temporalis muscle is responsible for **elevating and retracting the mandible** (closing the mouth). - It originates from the temporal fossa and inserts into the coronoid process and anterior border of the ramus of the mandible, with **no direct attachment to the TMJ disc**. [Practice more Dental PYQs on OnCourse]

2 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations

Questions

What is the treatment of choice for a post-operative abscess?

Which muscle is attached to the disc of the temporomandibular joint?