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Endodontics · single question

A third-trimester pregnant patient has irreversible pulpitis on tooth #19 (pain to cold and percussion). What is appropriate management now?

  1. Provide emergency pulp treatment (pulpotomy/pulpectomy) to relieve pain
  2. Defer all treatment until after delivery
  3. Extract immediately without local anesthesia
  4. Prescribe tetracycline and review later
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Correct answer: A. Provide emergency pulp treatment (pulpotomy/pulpectomy) to relieve pain

  • A. Correct. Relieving acute pulpal pain with a pulpotomy/pulpectomy is appropriate and safe; emergency dental care is not withheld during pregnancy.
  • B. Incorrect. Leaving irreversible pulpitis untreated causes ongoing pain and risk of spreading infection.
  • C. Incorrect. Extraction without anesthesia is unacceptable, and local anesthesia is safe in pregnancy.
  • D. Incorrect. Tetracycline is contraindicated in pregnancy (tooth discoloration/skeletal effects).

Note: The 2nd trimester is the most comfortable window for elective care, but emergency pulp treatment to relieve pain is appropriate in the 3rd trimester.

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