Caries and periodontal disease: dentin hypersensitivity: 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 · Caries and periodontal disease: dentin hypersensitivity

Sample item

Which theory best explains sharp pain from cold on exposed dentin?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Hydrodynamic theory, with fluid movement in dentinal tubules stimulating pulpal nerves

The hydrodynamic theory of Brannstrom proposes that temperature, osmotic or tactile stimuli move fluid within open dentinal tubules and activate pulpal mechanoreceptors. Desensitising agents work by occluding tubules.

Option by option

  • A. Hydrodynamic theory, with fluid movement in dentinal tubules stimulating pulpal nerves (correct)

    Correct. Fluid movement is the accepted mechanism.

  • B. Mast cell histamine release on touch

    Mast cell histamine release on touch is not an accepted mechanism.

  • C. Pulp calcification stimulating nerve fibres

    Pulp calcification does not explain thermal pain on exposed dentin.

  • D. Direct nerve endings in enamel respond to cold

    Enamel has no nerve endings.

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, Hydrodynamic theory, with fluid movement in dentinal tubules stimulating pulpal nerves. The hydrodynamic theory of Brannstrom proposes that temperature, osmotic or tactile stimuli move fluid within open dentinal tubules and activate pulpal mechanoreceptors.

Why is "Mast cell histamine release on touch" not the answer?

Mast cell histamine release on touch is not an accepted mechanism.

Why is "Pulp calcification stimulating nerve fibres" not the answer?

Pulp calcification does not explain thermal pain on exposed dentin.

Why is "Direct nerve endings in enamel respond to cold" not the answer?

Enamel has no nerve endings.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Caries and periodontal disease: dentin hypersensitivity in Dentistry. Desensitising agents work by occluding tubules.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Caries and periodontal disease: dentin hypersensitivity?

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.