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Endodontics · single question

During root canal irrigation after instrumentation, the canal shows excessive, ongoing bleeding. What is the most clinically sensible explanation?

  1. Remaining vital pulp tissue near the apex that hasn't yet been fully debrided
  2. Toxicity from the local anesthetic used
  3. A normal, expected finding requiring no further consideration
  4. An allergic reaction to the irrigation solution
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Correct answer: A. Remaining vital pulp tissue near the apex that hasn't yet been fully debrided

Active, ongoing bleeding during canal irrigation most often indicates remaining vital pulp tissue (incomplete debridement), especially in cases with complex canal anatomy or if working length/full canal length wasn't completely instrumented — local anesthetic toxicity has no established direct mechanism for causing this type of localized canal bleeding.

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