National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Which of the following is one of the main reasons for a root canal?

1. Tooth is cracked

2. The pulp can't be fixed

3. Gums are bleeding

4. A cavity is present

The correct answer is: The pulp can't be fixed

The main reason for needing a root canal procedure is that the pulp of the tooth cannot be repaired. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, and when it becomes inflamed or infected due to various factors, it often cannot heal on its own. This inflammation or infection may arise from deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or even a crack or chip in the tooth. When the pulp is irreparably damaged, a root canal becomes necessary to remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue, which alleviates pain and prevents further infection from spreading to surrounding tissues. After the pulp is removed, the tooth is cleaned and sealed to protect it from future issues, allowing the patient to retain the natural tooth rather than resorting to extraction. While options such as a cracked tooth, bleeding gums, or the presence of a cavity may indicate dental problems, those conditions do not necessarily warrant a root canal unless they compromise the health of the pulp specifically. A cracked tooth, for instance, may lead to pulp damage, but it would depend on whether the pulp is also affected. Bleeding gums typically relate to periodontal disease rather than pulp issues, and cavities would only require a root canal if they progress to