Which peripheral dental effect can be tested using thermal stimuli?

The correct choice involves irreversible pulpitis, which can be characterized by specific reactions to thermal stimuli. In cases of irreversible pulpitis, the dental pulp becomes inflamed and the nerve endings are sensitive to temperature changes, specifically to heat or cold. This heightened sensitivity can lead to sharp, intense pain that may linger even after the thermal stimulus is removed.

Conversely, while reversible pulpitis may also elicit a reaction to thermal stimuli, the pain tends to resolve once the stimulating factor is removed. Physiologically normal pulp typically does not respond with pain at all, and cracked tooth syndrome may not present with thermal sensitivity that is as definitive as that found in irreversible pulpitis. Therefore, the clear association between irreversible pulpitis and pronounced pain in response to thermal stimuli makes this choice the most accurate in this context.