Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

When a patient experiences severe pain and tenderness following the placement of a dressing during root canal treatment (RCT), especially when there is no swelling, it suggests that there is significant inflammation or irritation in the periapical region. In such a scenario, replacing the dressing with corticosteroid paste can be beneficial. Corticosteroids are effective anti-inflammatory agents that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

The use of a corticosteroid paste can help in managing the patient's discomfort by targeting the underlying inflammatory response that could be causing the pain. It acts to decrease the inflammatory mediators in the area, providing relief and promoting healing.

The other options might not address the underlying issue as effectively or could potentially aggravate it. Simply replacing the dressing with a similar one or prescribing antibiotics may not resolve the inflammation since the patient's issue appears to stem more from irritation rather than infection, given the absence of swelling. Retrieving the paper point surgically may be unnecessary and overly invasive unless it is clear that there is a foreign body causing irritation. Allowing the dressing to remain for several days could prolong the discomfort without addressing the inflammation actively.

Thus, the replacement with corticosteroid paste is a rational choice in managing the patient's symptoms post-RCT, allowing for both immediate pain relief and