What is a common sign of irreversible pulpitis?

Lingering pain is a hallmark sign of irreversible pulpitis, which indicates the pulp of the tooth is inflamed to a degree that it cannot heal itself. This type of dental pulp condition generally presents with pain that lasts longer than what is typically associated with reversible pulpitis, which often features pain that subsides after the stimulus is removed. In irreversible pulpitis, the pain can be spontaneous, severe, and sometimes even referred to other areas of the jaw, which helps differentiate it from other dental conditions.

In contrast, the other options reflect conditions or characteristics that are not typically associated with irreversible pulpitis. For example, an asymptomatic condition signifies that the pulp is likely healthy or that the inflammation is not severe enough to cause discomfort, while localized swelling might suggest an abscess rather than direct pulp inflammation. Improvement with desensitizing agents suggests that the sensitivity is transient and can be alleviated, which is contrary to the persistence of pain seen in irreversible pulpitis. Thus, lingering pain directly ties to the diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis and provides critical information for determining the appropriate treatment protocols.