Chapter 54: Endodontics Flashcards
This specialty manages the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the dental pulp and the
periradicular tissues that surround the root of the tooth.
Endodontics
often referred to as
root canal therapy
endodontic therapy
The two main sources of pulpal nerve damage
physical irritation
trauma
localized area of pus
abscess
what happens when bacteria reach the nerves and blood vessels.
infection than can result in an abscess
a blow to a tooth or the jaw, can cause damage to surrounding tissues causes what
trauma
symptoms of pulpal nerve damage.
sensitivity
discomfort
pain
the most common signs and symptoms of pulpal damage include the following:
- Pain when occluding
- Pain during mastication
- Sensitivity to hot or cold beverages
- facial swelling
- Fever
- Tenderness of the surrounding gums
- Cracked or discolored teeth
Diagnosis of a tooth that requires endodontic treatment is based on an examination that consists of
subjective and objective components
The ________ examination includes an evaluation of symptoms or problems described by the patient
subjective
the subjective examination include the following :
- Chief complaint
- Character and duration of pain
- Painful stimuli
- Sensitivity to biting and pressure
this type examination is conducted by the endodontist, who evaluates the status of the tooth and surrounding tissues
objective examination
the objective examination include the following
- Extent of decay
- Periodontal conditions surrounding the tooth in question
- Presence of an extensive restoration
- Tooth mobility
- Swelling or discoloration
- Pulp exposure
When a questionable tooth is tested for vitality, a
_______ is selected to use for comparison.
control tooth
The use of a control tooth shows that the stimulus can achieve what?
a response
tests that are used to determine whether the inflammatory process has extended into the periapical tissues
percussion and palpation test
The dentist performs this test by tapping on the incisal or occlusal surface of the tooth in question with the end of the mouth mirror handle
percussion test
The dentist completes this test by applying firm pressure to the mucosa above the apex of the root and noting any sensitivity or swelling.
palpation test
In this test, the dentist uses ice, dry ice, or carbon dioxide to evaluate the response of a tooth to cold.
cold test
A thermal stimulus is never used on what ?
metallic restoration
gingival tissue
will a necrotic pulp respond to cold?
no
This test is generally the least useful of the vitality tests because it could indicate either reversible pulpitis or irreversible pulpitis
heat test
this testing is used in endodontic diagnosis to determine whether a pulp is vital or
nonvital.
electric pulp testing
The following images are required for the diagnosis and completion of endodontic treatment:
- Initial radiograph
- Working length image
- Final instrumentation image
- Root canal completion image
- Recall image
Requirements of Radiographic Images
- Show 4 to 5 mm beyond the apex of the tooth and the surrounding bone
- Present an accurate image of the tooth without elongation or foreshortening
- Exhibit good contrast
indicates that pulpal tissues have become inflamed.
pulpitis
occurs when the pulp is irritated and the patient is experiencing pain to thermal stimuli. eliminating the irritant and placing a sedative material may save the pulp.
reversible pulpitis
displays symptoms of lingering pain. Clinical diagnostic findings will show that the pulp is incapable of healing, indicating root canal therapy or extraction as the only treatment options.
Irreversible pulpitis
characterized by the presence of a draining sinus tract.
The lesion is asymptomatic, with little or no discomfort, and an intermittent discharge of pus may be noticed
Chronic periradicular abscess
an inflammatory reaction to pulpal infection.
Periradicular abscess
an inflammatory reaction that is frequently caused by bacteria entrapped in the periodontal sulcus.
a patient will experience rapid-onset pain, tenderness of the tooth to pressure, pus formation, and swelling.
Periodontal abscess