What is the typical cause of condensing osteitis?

Condensing osteitis typically occurs as a response to a low-grade infection associated with a non-vital tooth. When a tooth becomes non-vital, which means it has lost its blood supply and is no longer alive, bacterial accumulation can lead to periapical inflammation. In response to the infection, the body attempts to wall off the affected area, resulting in the deposition of additional bone around the apex of the tooth. This change is generally seen on radiographs as an area of increased radiopacity, indicating the body's defense mechanism is actively working to contain the infection by strengthening the surrounding bone.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary etiology of condensing osteitis. High fluoride exposure can lead to dental fluorosis but not specifically to condensing osteitis. Trauma to the enamel surface might result in other conditions such as enamel hypoplasia or fractures, but it does not relate to the bone response seen in condensing osteitis. Excessive dental treatment may cause localized inflammation or other complications but is not a direct cause of the bony changes associated with condensing osteitis.