Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

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The reddish dentin appearance of a tooth may indicate which of the following?

Decay
Hyperemia of the tooth
Gingivitis
Trauma

The correct answer is: Hyperemia of the tooth

A reddish dentin appearance in a tooth is indicative of hyperemia, which refers to an increased blood flow to the dental pulp. This condition often arises from various stimuli, such as inflammation or infection, leading to a vascular response that can alter the color of the dentin. When the pulp is inflamed, the increased blood flow can cause the dentin, which is more translucent than enamel, to exhibit a reddish tint as the blood vessels become engorged and the underlying pulp tissue becomes more prominent. This coloration can serve as a visual sign for clinicians to assess the health of the tooth and the possibility of underlying pulpitis or other dental pulp conditions.