External resorption may present with which clinical sign?

External resorption may present with which clinical sign?

• A. Pink spot
• B. White spot
• C. Grey hue
• D. No discoloration

Answer: (A)

External resorption can produce a pinkish discoloration when the resorbing defect is near the surface. The pink spot comes from vascular granulation tissue filling the resorption area and communicating with the surface; because enamel is translucent, this tissue can give the tooth a pink hue visible clinically. A white spot points to surface enamel demineralization or early caries, a grey hue suggests other intrinsic staining or non-resorptive discoloration, and no discoloration would not reflect the surface changes seen with resorption. So the pink spot best fits the clinical presentation of superficial external resorption.

External resorption can produce a pinkish discoloration when the resorbing defect is near the surface. The pink spot comes from vascular granulation tissue filling the resorption area and communicating with the surface; because enamel is translucent, this tissue can give the tooth a pink hue visible clinically. A white spot points to surface enamel demineralization or early caries, a grey hue suggests other intrinsic staining or non-resorptive discoloration, and no discoloration would not reflect the surface changes seen with resorption. So the pink spot best fits the clinical presentation of superficial external resorption.