Endodontics: irreversible pulpitis: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Endodontics: irreversible pulpitis

Sample item

A tooth has spontaneous lingering pain to cold and heat, with no swelling and normal periapical radiograph. Which pulpal diagnosis is most likely?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis

Lingering spontaneous thermal pain suggests irreversible pulpal inflammation even before periapical changes appear. Treatment generally requires endodontic therapy or extraction, depending on restorability.

Option by option

  • A. Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (correct)

    Correct. Lingering thermal pain is characteristic of irreversible pulpitis.

  • B. Reversible pulpitis

    Reversible pulpitis causes brief pain that resolves when the stimulus is removed.

  • C. Pulp necrosis

    Pulp necrosis often yields no response to vitality testing.

  • D. Chronic apical abscess

    Chronic apical abscess usually has drainage or an apical radiolucency.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Lingering spontaneous thermal pain suggests irreversible pulpal inflammation even before periapical changes appear.

Why is "Reversible pulpitis" not the answer?

Reversible pulpitis causes brief pain that resolves when the stimulus is removed.

Why is "Pulp necrosis" not the answer?

Pulp necrosis often yields no response to vitality testing.

Why is "Chronic apical abscess" not the answer?

Chronic apical abscess usually has drainage or an apical radiolucency.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endodontics: irreversible pulpitis in Dentistry. Treatment generally requires endodontic therapy or extraction, depending on restorability.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Endodontics: irreversible pulpitis?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.