Endodontics · single question
A discolored tooth has a periapical radiolucency on radiograph. Most likely cause?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Trauma with pulp necrosis
The combination of tooth discoloration AND periapical radiolucency indicates trauma with pulp necrosis — blood product breakdown causes gray discoloration; bacterial contamination causes periapical pathology.
- A. ❌ Dentinogenesis imperfecta shows obliterated pulp chambers, not periapical lesions.
- B. ❌ Fluorosis causes white/brown spots with no periapical pathology.
- C. ❌ Tetracycline causes intrinsic staining but no periapical radiolucency.
- D. ✅ CORRECT – Trauma → pulp necrosis (discoloration) + periapical infection (radiolucency).