2. Diagnosis Flashcards
What is referred pain?
Perception of pain in one part of the body distant from the source of pain
What side does referred pain radiate to?
Ipsilateral
Which teeth are more likely to have referred pain?
Posterior teeth often refer pain to opposite arch or peri auricular area but rarely to anterior teeth.
Mandibular posterior teeth refer pain to peri auricular area more than maxillary.
Anterior teeth rarely refer pain to other teeth or opposite arch.
What medical conditions are associated with lymph node involvement?
TB
Lymphoma
What medical conditions are associated with paraesthesia?
Leukaemia
Anaemia
What medical condition is associated with bone pain?
Sickle cell anaemia
What medical condition is associated with tooth mobility?
Multiple myeloma
What medical conditions are associated with dental pain?
Multiple sclerosis
Acute maxillary sinusitis
Trigeminal neuralgia
What should you include in your examination when RC pathology is suspected?
Extra & intra oral exam
Soft tissue exam - abscesses, swelling & sinus tracts
Hard tissue exam - discolouration, fractures, caries, restorations
Palpation & percussion
Mobility
Periodontal exam
What sensibility tests can be used?
Thermal
Electric
What vitality tests can be used?
Laser Doppler flowmetry
Pulse oximeter
What thermal tests can you use to test sensitivity of pulp?
Cold - Frozen carbon dioxide, ethyl chloride
Hot - Hot gutta percha, hot water and dental dam
What is the problem with heat testing the pulp?
Too much heat can cause irreversible pulpitis
What is an EPT?
Electric current used to stimulate sensory nerves in the tooth.
Primarily affects A-delta fast conducting fibres.
Unmyelinated C-fibres may or may not respond.
What questions would you ask in a pain history?
Site Onset Characteristics Radiation Association Time course Exacerbating/relieving factors Severity
