What typically happens to external resorption after successful endodontic treatment?

• A. Continues after successful treatment
• B. Stops in most cases
• C. Continues only in specific tooth types
• D. Stops but only in maxillary incisors

Answer: (B)

After successful endodontic treatment, external resorption typically stops in most cases. This is because the process of resorption is often associated with inflammatory responses that can be triggered by infection or trauma in the tooth structure. Once effective treatment occurs, and the infection is resolved, the underlying causes contributing to the resorption diminish.

The successful sealing of the root canal system prevents bacteria from re-entering and thus reduces the inflammatory stimuli that might lead to further resorption. Besides, the healed state of the periodontal tissues after endodontic therapy supports the cessation of resorptive activity.

The other choices imply that resorption may continue or is selective to certain tooth types, neither of which reflects the general outcomes observed in most cases post-treatment.