A pregnant patient in the third trimester has pain on tooth #19 with lingering pain after cold and tenderness to percussion. Most appropriate treatment?

Correct answer: B. Pulpectomy

• A. A pulpotomy (in an adult permanent tooth) won't resolve irreversible pulpitis here.
• B. Correct. Lingering pain after cold = irreversible pulpitis; definitive endodontic treatment (pulpectomy/RCT) is indicated and is safe in pregnancy, ideally with the patient comfortable.
• C. Delaying definitive treatment leaves an irreversibly inflamed/infected pulp and risk of acute flare — not appropriate.
• D. Extraction is more invasive and unnecessary for a restorable tooth.