INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Which of the following is the main side effect of bleaching an endodontically treated tooth?

1. Tooth discoloration

2. External cervical root resorption

3. Dentin hypersensitivity

4. Pulpal necrosis

The correct answer is: External cervical root resorption

C Dentin hypersensitivity is a side effect of teeth whitening, not bleaching of an endodontically treated tooth. When whitening or bleaching products come into contact with the exposed dentin, it can lead to temporary sensitivity and irritation. However, this is not the main side effect of bleaching an endodontically treated tooth. A: Tooth discoloration can occur as a side effect of bleaching an endodontically treated tooth, but this is not the main side effect. The main side effect is external cervical root resorption. D: Pulpal necrosis is a severe and rare complication of endodontic treatment, but it is not a side effect of bleaching an already treated tooth. Pulpal necrosis occurs when the pulp tissue inside the tooth dies and can lead to severe pain and infection, but this is not related to bleaching. Bleaching an endodontically treated tooth can weaken the tooth, making it more susceptible to external cervical root resorption. This side effect occurs when the root of the tooth (the part below the gum line) begins to dissolve, which can lead to tooth fractures and eventually loss of the tooth. Therefore, B is the correct answer as it is the main