Pathology · single question
A patient presents with isolated discoloration of only teeth #7 and #8. What is the MOST likely etiology?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Traumatic injury/pulp necrosis
Isolated discoloration of only 2 adjacent teeth (not generalized) most likely indicates traumatic injury causing pulp necrosis and hemolysis.
- A. Tetracycline staining would affect multiple teeth forming during antibiotic exposure — not isolated to 2 adjacent teeth.
- B. Fluorosis produces diffuse white streaking/mottling across multiple teeth — not isolated discoloration of two adjacent teeth.
- C. CORRECT. Isolated discoloration of only 2 adjacent teeth most likely indicates TRAUMA → pulp necrosis → hemolysis and blood breakdown products (hemosiderin, methemoglobin) discoloring dentin. Trauma is the classic cause of isolated tooth discoloration.
- D. Endodontic treatment could cause isolated tooth discoloration but would affect only the treated tooth individually — two adjacent untreated teeth being discolored points to trauma.