Start practicing

Endodontics · single question

A pregnant patient presents with prolonged (lingering) pain to cold — classic sign of irreversible pulpitis. What is the most appropriate treatment?

  1. Prescribe antibiotics and analgesics only
  2. Extract the tooth immediately
  3. Perform a pulpectomy (root canal)
  4. Place a sedative dressing and wait until after delivery
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Perform a pulpectomy (root canal)

Lingering pain to cold = irreversible pulpitis. Treatment: pulpectomy (root canal). Safe to perform during pregnancy — dental treatment is NOT contraindicated. Ideally 2nd trimester for elective; emergency treatment any trimester.
  • A. Antibiotics/analgesics alone don't treat pulpitis — temporary relief without addressing the cause.
  • B. Extraction removes the tooth unnecessarily — endodontic treatment to save it is preferred.
  • C. CORRECT. Pulpectomy = treatment for irreversible pulpitis. Safe during pregnancy.
  • D. Sedative dressing is for REVERSIBLE pulpitis, not irreversible — lingering pain requires pulp removal.

Practice Endodontics questions Endodontics study notes

More Endodontics practice questions