HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What are pulp stones?

1. Large cavities in teeth

2. Small, dentin-like calcifications in the pulp

3. Structures that support the gums

4. Minerals deposited in the enamel

The correct answer is: Small, dentin-like calcifications in the pulp

Pulp stones, also known as denticles, refer to small, calcified masses that form within the pulp chamber of a tooth. They are made up of dentin-like material and can vary in size and shape. These calcifications are often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during radiographic examinations. The presence of pulp stones may indicate underlying pulp pathology or long-standing irritation within the pulp tissue, often related to conditions such as caries or trauma to the tooth. While cavities are indeed associated with dental issues, they do not represent the same phenomenon as pulp stones, which are internal to the pulp chamber. Similarly, structures that support the gums pertain to periodontal tissues, which are distinct from the dental pulp's function. Finally, minerals deposited in the enamel refer to a different process related to the outer structure of the tooth, and not to calcifications occurring within the pulp. Hence, the characterization of pulp stones as small, dentin-like calcifications within the pulp is accurate and reflective of their nature.