Coronal Polish Certification Practice Test

Which group of stains is typically associated with non-vital (pulpless) teeth?

1. Extrinsic stains

2. Intrinsic stains

3. Exogenous stains

4. Endogenous stains

The correct answer is: Intrinsic stains

Intrinsic stains are typically associated with non-vital (pulpless) teeth. These stains occur within the tooth structure rather than on the surface and can result from a variety of factors, including the death of the tooth pulp. When a tooth becomes non-vital due to trauma, decay, or other issues, it can change color, often becoming darker. This discoloration is the result of breakdown products from the blood and tissues within the tooth, which can penetrate the enamel and dentin. Extrinsic stains, which are superficial and can generally be removed through professional cleaning, do not usually reflect the condition of the tooth's vitality. Likewise, exogenous stains are those that originate from outside the body, external factors like certain foods or substances, and they typically affect vital teeth as well. Endogenous stains, on the other hand, refer to stains that arise from within the body, often due to genetic factors or metabolic processes; while they can also be associated with non-vital teeth, intrinsic stains are more directly connected to the absence of vital pulp and the resulting change in coloration of the tooth structure. Therefore, recognizing that intrinsic stains indicate a deeper, more fundamental change in the tooth's health makes this the correct choice.