Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The presence of a periapical radiolucency is the most reliable radiographic finding to confirm a necrotic pulp. This finding indicates that there is an inflammatory response in the periapical tissues, often due to the necrosis of the pulp which can happen as a result of untreated carious lesions, trauma, or other pulpal insults.

When the pulp becomes necrotic, bacteria can enter the root canal system and cause inflammation in the surrounding periapical area, resulting in bone resorption. This is typically visualized on radiographs as a dark area, or radiolucency, surrounding the apex of the affected tooth. This radiographic appearance is significant because it reflects the progression of disease and the body's response to pulp necrosis, thereby providing strong confirmation of a necrotic pulp.

In contrast, the absence of dental caries does not confirm or deny pulp health, as a tooth can have a healthy pulp despite the presence of caries. Similarly, texture changes in enamel or increased opacity of the tooth can be associated with various conditions but do not directly indicate pulp necrosis. Thus, while they might provide additional context or evidence in a dental assessment, they are not as definitive as the presence of a periap