A head-and-neck cancer patient undergoing therapy – how does pulpal response to a cold test typically change?

Correct answer: B. Reduced response

• A. Incorrect – the response is typically blunted, not heightened.
• B. Correct – head-and-neck radiation/chemo can reduce pulpal blood flow and sensory response, dampening the cold-test reaction.
• C. Incorrect. Head/neck radiotherapy can reduce pulpal sensitivity (reduced cold response) but does not by itself cause immediate tooth loss in a vital tooth.
• D. Incorrect – therapy alters pulpal/neural responsiveness.