Pathology · single question
Which condition can present as orofacial pain that MIMICS pulpitis (a toothache without an odontogenic cause)?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Trigeminal herpes zoster
- A. Correct. Prodromal/active trigeminal herpes zoster can cause severe pain referred to the teeth that mimics pulpitis before the vesicular rash appears.
- B. Cervical burnout is a radiographic artifact, not a pain source.
- C. Fluorosis is an enamel defect, not a pain mimic.
- D. Geographic tongue is usually asymptomatic and does not mimic pulpitis.