What is the chief complaint in reversible pulpitis?

What is the chief complaint in reversible pulpitis?

• A. Continuous pain
• B. Cold sensitivity
• C. Lingering pain
• D. Spontaneous pain

Answer: (B)

In reversible pulpitis, the chief complaint is typically cold sensitivity. This type of pulpitis often arises due to carious lesions, dental trauma, or restorations that have resulted in irritation of the dental pulp, yet the pulp remains viable and capable of healing. Patients usually experience discomfort that is briefly elicited by cold stimuli, which typically resolves quickly after the stimulus is removed. This characteristic is crucial in distinguishing reversible pulpitis from other forms of pulpitis, such as irreversible pulpitis, where symptoms are more intense and prolonged. In the context of other potential symptoms, continuous pain is more suggestive of irreversible pulpitis, where pain persists without external stimuli. Lingering pain or pain that continues after the stimulus has been removed is also indicative of more severe pulp damage. Spontaneous pain usually points to irreversible pulpitis as well, where the patient experiences discomfort without any specific trigger. Therefore, cold sensitivity is the hallmark feature of reversible pulpitis and is what patients predominantly report when seeking dental care.

In reversible pulpitis, the chief complaint is typically cold sensitivity. This type of pulpitis often arises due to carious lesions, dental trauma, or restorations that have resulted in irritation of the dental pulp, yet the pulp remains viable and capable of healing. Patients usually experience discomfort that is briefly elicited by cold stimuli, which typically resolves quickly after the stimulus is removed. This characteristic is crucial in distinguishing reversible pulpitis from other forms of pulpitis, such as irreversible pulpitis, where symptoms are more intense and prolonged.

In the context of other potential symptoms, continuous pain is more suggestive of irreversible pulpitis, where pain persists without external stimuli. Lingering pain or pain that continues after the stimulus has been removed is also indicative of more severe pulp damage. Spontaneous pain usually points to irreversible pulpitis as well, where the patient experiences discomfort without any specific trigger. Therefore, cold sensitivity is the hallmark feature of reversible pulpitis and is what patients predominantly report when seeking dental care.