Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Blunted roots seen in an X-ray may be caused by which factor?

1. Infection

2. Orthodontic forces

3. Trauma

4. Periodontal disease

The correct answer is: Orthodontic forces

Blunted roots observed in an X-ray, often appearing as shortened or rounded root tips, can frequently result from orthodontic forces. When orthodontic treatment is applied, the teeth are subjected to various pressures intended to achieve proper alignment. If these forces are excessive or improperly applied, they can lead to root resorption, a process where the body gradually breaks down and absorbs the dental root structure, resulting in a blunted appearance. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in cases where teeth are moved significant distances or over extended periods. The apex of the root is where the most significant change can occur, leading to the blunted appearance as the root becomes shorter as orthodontic adjustments are made. A careful balance of strength and duration of forces is critical to minimize any adverse effects on root integrity during orthodontic treatment. While other factors such as infection, trauma, and periodontal disease can impact dental roots, they tend to manifest differently in radiographic imaging. For instance, infections may cause root apices to appear irregular or sclerotic rather than blunted, and trauma may lead to fracture lines rather than a uniform blunting effect. Periodontal disease primarily affects the supporting tissues and bone surrounding the tooth rather than directly altering the shape of the root itself.