DANB RHS Sensitive Teeth Q's

A patient reports sharp, brief pain when drinking cold water. No pain at rest. Gingival recession is noted on #8. Most likely cause?

B. Exposed dentin due to recession

A patient complains of sensitivity to hot drinks in the lower molars. Radiograph shows no caries, no restorations. What is likely?

A. Reversible pulpitis

Generalized sensitivity occurs after recent use of whitening toothpaste. No decay, no restorations. Best management?

B. Reduce whitening use and use desensitizing toothpaste

Sensitivity only when brushing, cervical areas of #19 and #30 show enamel loss. Most effective initial treatment?

B. Fluoride varnish and desensitizing toothpaste

Patient reports sensitivity to sweet foods and drinks. Radiographs reveal small occlusal caries on #3 and #14. Best next step?

B. Restorative treatment (fillings)

Patient complains of sharp pain on chewing upper molars, radiographs show no decay. Likely cause?

B. Cracked tooth or craze lines

Bitewing shows slight enamel loss at cervical third of #8–#9. Patient complains of cold sensitivity. Best management?

B. Desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride

Periapical radiograph of #30 shows radiolucent apex. Patient reports intermittent sensitivity on chewing. Most likely?

C. Chronic periapical periodontitis

Radiograph shows cervical abrasion on #21 and #28. Patient has sensitivity to cold. Likely cause?

B. Toothbrushing abrasion

Bitewing shows small occlusal radiolucency on #14. Patient reports sensitivity to sweets. Recommended treatment?

B. Restorative filling

Radiograph of #3 shows no decay or restoration but a faint crack line. Sensitivity is reported on biting. Likely diagnosis?

B. Cracked tooth

Radiograph shows mild interproximal enamel loss, patient reports sharp pain with brushing. Cause?

A. Dentin exposure from abrasion

Generalized sensitivity, enamel erosion, occlusal wear, daily acidic drinks. Primary contributing factor?

B. Acid erosion

Sensitivity occurs in teeth with large old restorations but no radiographic caries. Likely cause?

A. Microleakage

Gingival recession exposes root surfaces of #6–#11. Patient complains of cold sensitivity. Most effective treatment?

B. Apply fluoride and desensitizing agents

Tooth #19 has mild attrition and enamel loss. Sensitivity occurs when drinking cold drinks. Most likely cause?

B. Occlusal wear and dentin exposure

Patient has recently started vigorous tooth whitening and reports generalized sensitivity. No caries seen. Best advice?

B. Reduce whitening frequency and use desensitizing toothpaste

Patient reports sensitivity only in lower premolars. Radiographs show no caries but occlusal wear is present. Likely cause?

A. Bruxism leading to enamel loss

Patient asks about long-term relief for sensitive teeth due to exposed dentin. Best approach?

A. Daily fluoride and desensitizing toothpaste

Patient presents with sensitivity due to gingival recession and enamel abrasion. Most appropriate professional treatment?

A. Apply fluoride varnish and sealants

Sensitivity is present after recent composite restorations on #7–#10. Likely cause?

A. Marginal leakage or pulp irritation

Patient reports sudden sharp pain on upper molars when exposed to air. No decay or restorations. Likely cause?

A. Cracked tooth syndrome

Patient complains of sensitivity after aggressive brushing. Cervical abrasion visible. Which toothpaste is recommended?

B. Desensitizing

Bitewing shows mild enamel loss near gingival margin. Patient reports cold sensitivity only. Best preventive action?

A. Fluoride varnish and soft-bristled toothbrush

Patient asks if sensitive teeth require antibiotics. What is the correct response?

B. No, sensitivity alone does not require antibiotics

A patient reports brief sharp pain on biting, but no sensitivity to cold or sweets. Radiographs show no decay. Most likely cause?

B. Cracked tooth

Patient reports sensitivity to hot liquids that lingers for several minutes. No periapical radiolucency seen. Most likely diagnosis?

A. Reversible pulpitis

Sensitivity occurs only after acidic beverage consumption. Enamel appears smooth but slightly thinned on all anterior teeth. Likely cause?

A. Erosion from dietary acids

Patient complains of sensitivity only when flossing, with mild interproximal bleeding. Radiographs show no decay. Likely cause?

B. Periodontitis

Sensitivity is present in multiple teeth, worse in the morning. Patient reports frequent nighttime clenching. Most likely cause?

A. Bruxism → dentin exposure/occlusal wear

Bitewing radiograph shows cervical radiolucency near gingival margin, no caries. Patient reports cold sensitivity. Likely cause?

A. Dentin exposure from abrasion

Radiograph shows faint crack line on #12. Patient reports pain on biting only. Best next step?

B. Occlusal adjustment and monitor

Periapical radiograph shows slight radiolucency at apex of #30. Patient reports no pain at rest, mild sensitivity on chewing. Most likely?

A. Chronic periapical periodontitis

Bitewing shows minimal interproximal enamel loss on #3–#4. Sensitivity to sweets only. Likely cause?

A. Early caries

Radiograph shows occlusal wear on #19–#21. Patient complains of generalized sensitivity to cold. Best explanation?

A. Dentin exposure due to attrition

Patient drinks soda daily and brushes aggressively with hard-bristled brush. Reports sensitivity. Primary cause?

A. Combined erosion and abrasion

Sensitivity develops after replacing a large amalgam filling. Radiograph shows no decay. Likely cause?

A. Postoperative pulpitis

Sensitivity worsens during winter months. Teeth appear normal, no decay. Most likely factor?

A. Temperature-related dentin hypersensitivity

Patient uses whitening strips daily and reports sensitivity on all anterior teeth. No radiographic findings. Most appropriate action?

A. Reduce use and apply desensitizing toothpaste

Sensitivity localized to cervical area of #7–#10, worse with brushing. Patient has receding gums. Most likely cause?

A. Exposed dentin from gingival recession

Patient asks for a long-term solution for sensitivity from mild enamel loss. Best advice?

A. Desensitizing toothpaste + fluoride

Sensitivity occurs after recent scaling and polishing. Patient complains mainly of cold sensitivity. Most likely reason?

A. Temporary dentin exposure post-cleaning

Patient complains of sharp pain when biting hard foods. Radiographs show no decay. Best management?

A. Evaluate for cracked tooth, possible occlusal adjustment

Patient with cervical abrasion and dentin exposure wants immediate relief. Best short-term solution?

A. Desensitizing agents or varnish

Patient asks if diet changes can reduce sensitivity. Which recommendation is correct?

A. Reduce acidic food/drink, rinse with water after consumption