Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Practice Test

Which dental condition is characterized by deep, painful decay in a tooth?

1. Caries

2. Pulpitis

3. Dentin hypersensitivity

4. Periodontitis

The correct answer is: Pulpitis

The dental condition characterized by deep, painful decay in a tooth is pulpitis. When decay progresses deeply into a tooth, it can infect the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. This infection leads to inflammation of the pulp, resulting in a painful condition known as pulpitis. Patients often report intense tooth pain, which can range from a constant ache to sharp pain, particularly when exposed to temperature changes or pressure. Caries refer to the gradual decay or demineralization of the tooth structure, which can lead to pulpitis if left untreated, but on its own, it does not specifically indicate the deep, painful condition. Dentin hypersensitivity is a response to stimuli such as cold, heat, or sweets due to exposed dentin but does not involve decay into the pulp. Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that affects the supporting structures of teeth, which is separate from the decay processes and pulp issues within the tooth itself. Thus, pulpitis precisely describes the condition of painful inflammation that arises from deep decay.