American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

Chronic pulpitis is the condition most likely to cause internal root resorption due to the inflammatory processes associated with the pulp. When the pulp becomes chronically inflamed, it can lead to the activation of the odontoclasts, which are the cells responsible for resorbing dental tissue. This process is often facilitated by the release of inflammatory mediators that can cause a localized response within the dental pulp and surrounding dentin, leading to the erosion of the internal surface of the tooth root.

In contrast, while dental trauma can lead to resorption, it is generally more associated with external resorption due to the traumatic event impacting the tooth's external structure. Orthodontic movement typically causes changes in the periodontal ligament and may lead to external resorption as the tooth is repositioned within the alveolar bone. Periodontal disease can also result in tooth resorption, but it tends to affect the external aspects of the tooth and surrounding bone rather than causing internal root resorption directly linked to the pulp itself. Thus, the persistent inflammation in chronic pulpitis plays a critical role in promoting internal root resorption, making it the most relevant condition among the options provided.