A patient with only mild discomfort from a chipped tooth insists pain is unbearable and demands oxycodone, saying nothing else works, with no infection or pathology found. What should be suspected?

Correct answer: A. Drug-seeking behavior

• A. CORRECT. Demanding a specific opioid by name with symptoms out of proportion to findings is a classic drug-seeking pattern.
• B. INCORRECT. No pulpal signs are present to support pulpitis.
• C. INCORRECT. Anxiety does not explain a targeted opioid request with no pathology.
• D. INCORRECT. Hypersensitivity does not produce this presentation or demand.