Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What does pulpitis refer to?

1. Inflammation of the tooth enamel

2. Infection in the gums

3. Inflammation of the pulp

4. Decay of the tooth structure

The correct answer is: Inflammation of the pulp

Pulpitis specifically refers to the inflammation of the dental pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This condition often arises due to factors such as dental decay, trauma, or other irritants that affect the pulp. As the pulp becomes inflamed, it can lead to pain, sensitivity, and potentially more severe complications if left untreated, such as abscess formation. Organizations in dental practice stress the importance of recognizing pulpitis promptly, as its treatment often involves addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, the other potential answers focus on different aspects of dental pathology, such as enamel inflammation, gum infection, and decay of tooth structure, which do not specifically address the inflammation of the pulp itself.