Which statement about internal and external resorption is true?

Which statement about internal and external resorption is true?

• A. Internal resorption is more common than external resorption
• B. Internal resorption occurs when there is a vital pulp
• C. Both statements are TRUE
• D. Both statements are FALSE

Answer: (D)

The correct understanding pertains to the nature of internal and external resorption in dental pathology. Internal resorption generally occurs within the tooth structure itself, affecting the dentin and pulp chamber, and is often associated with an inflamed vital pulp. This means that, under specific circumstances, particularly when there is trauma or pulpitis, internal resorption can indeed take place while the pulp tissue is still vital. On the other hand, external resorption typically occurs on the outer surface of the tooth root and is often linked to factors such as injury, orthodontic pressure, or infection, rather than the vitality of the pulp. Given this distinction, the statement that internal resorption is more common than external resorption is not accurate; external resorption is often observed more frequently in clinical practice. Furthermore, the assertion that internal resorption occurs when there is a vital pulp aligns with the understanding that internal resorption is sometimes associated with a vital pulp during specific pathological conditions. Thus, the most accurate assessment is that both statements are not true, validating that both statements are indeed false.

The correct understanding pertains to the nature of internal and external resorption in dental pathology.

Internal resorption generally occurs within the tooth structure itself, affecting the dentin and pulp chamber, and is often associated with an inflamed vital pulp. This means that, under specific circumstances, particularly when there is trauma or pulpitis, internal resorption can indeed take place while the pulp tissue is still vital.

On the other hand, external resorption typically occurs on the outer surface of the tooth root and is often linked to factors such as injury, orthodontic pressure, or infection, rather than the vitality of the pulp.

Given this distinction, the statement that internal resorption is more common than external resorption is not accurate; external resorption is often observed more frequently in clinical practice. Furthermore, the assertion that internal resorption occurs when there is a vital pulp aligns with the understanding that internal resorption is sometimes associated with a vital pulp during specific pathological conditions. Thus, the most accurate assessment is that both statements are not true, validating that both statements are indeed false.