Vital Pulp Bleeding — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyEndodonticsVital Pulp BleedingORE Part 1

A patient has a tooth clinically diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. On entering the pulp chamber during access preparation, bright red blood is seen and the pulp bleeds profusely. What does this finding indicate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — The pulp remains vital and vascularised

The correct answer is E. Bright red pulpal bleeding on entering the chamber demonstrates that vascularised pulp tissue is present; symptomatic irreversible pulpitis describes an inflamed pulp that is still vital, not a necrotic pulp. Contemporary vital-pulp guidance uses observation of vital pulp tissue and control of its bleeding as part of intra-operative pulpal assessment. Necrotic pulp lacks a functioning blood supply and would not produce pulpal bleeding. A chamber-floor perforation may cause bleeding from periodontal tissues, but this would be an unexpected finding associated with loss of the normal chamber-floor anatomy, not simply bleeding from pulp encountered on chamber entry. Root fracture and malignancy are not inferred from this routine finding.

Reference: Coll JA et al. Guideline for Use of Vital Pulp Therapy in Permanent Teeth. Pediatr Dent. 2025;47(5):299-311. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41121563/