HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which term describes the rupture of pulpal capillaries?

1. Pulpal necrosis

2. Internal resorption

3. Internal hemorrhage

4. External resorption

The correct answer is: Internal hemorrhage

The term that accurately describes the rupture of pulpal capillaries is internal hemorrhage. Internal hemorrhage refers to bleeding that occurs within the body, which in this context specifically involves the pulp chamber of a tooth. When the capillaries within the dental pulp rupture, this results in the bleeding that characterizes internal hemorrhage. This condition can lead to various dental problems, including pain and potential infection, as the blood accumulation can create pressure and disrupt normal pulp function. Pulpal necrosis refers to the death of the pulp tissue, which can be a consequence of long-standing internal hemorrhage but does not specifically denote the rupture of capillaries. Internal resorption is a process where the body begins to remove and break down dentin from within the tooth, often due to infection or trauma, but it does not specifically address the state of pulpal capillaries. External resorption, in contrast, involves the loss of tooth structure from the outside surface, usually due to external factors like orthodontic pressure, and is also unrelated to the rupture of pulpal capillaries.