Endodontics · single question
A patient presents with lingering pain following cold stimulus and pain on percussion. What is the pulpal diagnosis?
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Correct answer: A. Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis
Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is characterized by a lingering (prolonged) response to cold or heat thermal testing, often lasting more than 30 seconds after stimulus removal. The patient experiences spontaneous pain or pain with stimulation that does not resolve quickly. Pain on percussion indicates periapical involvement. Asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis is diagnosed when radiographic or histologic evidence of pulpal disease exists without clinical symptoms. Reversible pulpitis causes a sharp, transient pain that resolves immediately. Pulp necrosis typically shows no response to pulp testing.