Which diagnostic aid is most effective for diagnosing irreversible pulpitis?

The most effective diagnostic aid for diagnosing irreversible pulpitis is thermal stimulation. This approach involves applying cold or heat to the tooth to assess the pulp's response. In patients with irreversible pulpitis, the nerve endings in the pulp are typically highly sensitive, resulting in exaggerated or prolonged pain when subjected to thermal stimuli.

If a cold stimulus is applied and the patient experiences a very sharp, lingering pain that continues even after the stimulus is removed, this strongly indicates irreversible pulpitis. In cases of reversible pulpitis, the pain would generally be less severe and short-lived.

While a good medical history is essential for overall diagnosis and understanding patient risks, and electric vitality tests can provide some insights into pulp health, thermal stimulation is more specific for identifying the condition of the pulp itself. Examining for mobility is more relevant for periodontal issues rather than pulpal health, making it less effective in diagnosing irreversible pulpitis.