Which term describes inflammation of the dental pulp due to restorative material irritation?

• A. Pulp necrosis
• B. Chronic hyperemia
• C. Pulpitis
• D. Apical periodontitis

Answer: (C)

When the pulp itself becomes inflamed from irritation by a restorative material, the condition is called pulpitis. The pulp reacts to mild irritation with inflammation, and if the stimulus is short-lived or mild, this can be reversible, meaning the pulp can recover its vitality once the irritant is removed. If the irritant persists or is more severe, the inflammation can become irreversible, risking loss of vitality and potentially progressing toward pulpal necrosis. This term specifically describes inflammation within the dental pulp itself, not changes in the surrounding tissues or tissue death. Pulp necrosis is when the pulp tissue dies, chronic hyperemia is just a vascular response, and apical periodontitis involves inflammation around the tip of the root, outside the pulp. Therefore, the best term for inflammation of the dental pulp due to restorative material irritation is pulpitis.