Among signs of occlusal trauma, which can be observed as a radiographic finding?

• A. Increased enamel thickness
• B. Pulp chamber enlargement
• C. Possible root resorption
• D. Root fracture

Answer: (C)

Occlusal trauma refers to injury from excessive bite forces affecting the tooth’s supporting structures. On radiographs, the most likely sign is resorption of the root surface caused by sustained pressure from overload, which can appear as subtle radiolucent areas or irregularities along the root. This external root resorption reflects the bone and cementum/dentin remodeling in response to abnormal forces and is not always present, hence described as possible.

The other options don’t fit as radiographic signs of occlusal trauma. Increased enamel thickness isn’t a consequence of occlusal overload, and pulp chamber enlargement isn’t a typical pulpal response to occlusal trauma. A root fracture can result from direct trauma or severe acute forces, but it is not a characteristic radiographic finding of chronic occlusal trauma, which centers on changes in the root surface and surrounding periodontium rather than a discrete fracture line.