Endodontics Theory Flashcards
What is endodontics?
The study of the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the root (periradicular tissues)
What is Stage 1 of a RCT?
Removal of vital or necrotic pulp tissues from the pulp chamber and root canal by shaping and cleaning
What is stage 2 of a RCT?
Sealing the pulp chamber and canals at both apical and coronal levels
What three things make up the endodontic triad?
Mechanical Shaping, Chemical Cleaning, Obturation to seal
What can you diagnose at the coronal part of the tooth from traditional x-rays?
the size, quality and removability of restorations; any caries and the restorability of the tooth; the space between the roof and the floor of the pulp chamber
What can you diagnose about the apical area of the tooth from traditional x-rays?
the length of root; the curvature of the roots; any radiolucencies; any periodontal defects; number of roots and canals; condition of lamina dura; PDL shade and width; any root resorption; any canal calcification; any root fractures
What type of advanced imaging can you use for endodontics?
CBCT or Micro CT
What can using CBCT or Micro CT imaging allow you to do?
accurately plan your treatment in advance
What are the examination procedures needed to make an endodontic diagnosis?
medical and dental history; chief complaint; clinical exam; clinical testing; radiographs; special tests
What is the clinical classification of normal pulp?
pulp is symptom-free and normally responsive to pulp testing
What is Reversible Pulpitis?
Inflammation of the pulp causing discomfort when exposed to a stimulus. The discomfort should resolve within a few seconds of the stimulus being removed
What are some typical etiologies of Reversible Pulpitis?
dentine hypersensitivity; deep caries/restorations
What is are Symptoms of Irreversible Pulpitits?
Pain on a stimulus that lingers. Can also cause spontaneous or referred pain.
What are some typical etiologies of irreversible pulpitis?
deep caries, extensive restorations, fractures exposing the pulpal tissues
What is asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis?
the vital inflammed pulp is incapable of healing and there are no clinical symptoms
What is pulp necrosis?
death of the dental pulp
What are some symptoms of pulp necrosis?
the pulp is non-responsive to pulp testing and is asymptomatic
Does pulp necrosis cause apical periodontitis?
no unless the canal itself is infected
What does ‘previously treated’ mean in regards to clinical diagnosis?
the tooth has been endodontically treated and canals are obturated with filling materials other than medicines
What does ‘previously initiated therapy’ mean in regards to clinical diagnosis?
the tooth has been previously treated by partial endodontic therapy such as pulpotomy or pulpectomy
What is symptomatic apical periodontitis?
inflammation of the apical periodontium
What is another phrase for symptomatic apical periodontitis?
Acute Apical Periodontitis (AAP)
What are some symptoms associated with Acute apical periodontitis?
pain on biting and/or percussion or palpation, radiographic changes
What is asymptomatic apical periodontitis?
inflammation and destruction of the apical periodontium that is of pulpal origin
What is another phrase for asymptomatic apical periodontitis?
chronic apical periodontitis (CAP)
What are some symptoms associated with Chronic Apical Periodontitis?
Apical radiolucency, no clinical symptoms
What is a chronic apical abscess?
an inflammatory reaction to pulpal infection and necrosis
What are some symptoms of a chronic apical abscess?
intermittent discharge of pus through a sinus tract, little or no discomfort, radiolucency around the apex
What is an Acute apical abscess?
inflammatory reaction to pulpal infection and necrosis
What are some symptoms of an acute apical abscess?
spontaneous pain, extreme tenderness upon pressure, pus, swelling of surrounding tissues, fever, feeling unwell, no radiolucency
What is condensing osteitis?
localised bony reaction to a low-grade inflammatory stimulus