stupid root canals Flashcards
Why is a healthy pulp important?
- Completion of root formation in immature teeth - primary dentine
- Continued lifelong tooth development - secondary dentine
- Protection against infection - tertiary dentine
- Maintenance of sensory function
- Maintenance of elasticity of dentine
What is the aim of endo tx?
To prevent or treat periapical periodontitis by eliminating microorganisms from the root canal system and preventing re infection with a well sealed root canal filling and coronal restoration
List 4 sources of threat to the pulp
Carious attack
Trauma
Iatrogenic damage
Tooth surface loss
Where is the apical foramina found?
0.5-0.7mm from the anatomical and radiographic apex
Where is the apical constriction and why is it relevant?
0.5-0.7mm short of the apical foramina
Distance increases with age due to secondary cementum deposition
Electronic apex locators are used to find the position of it
What should a history include if trauma was involved?
Time, date and location of incident
Was there loss of consciousness or dizziness - refer to A+E for head investigations
Medical history
Was any emergency tx performed
Type, time and location of any other tx provided prior
What should be included in an E/O exam?
If acute facial swelling get a provisional diagnosis
Record body temp if difficulty swallowing, breathing and/or facial asymmetry
Palpate TMJ and LNs
What 8 things should be included in an I/O exam?
Dental pathology - caries, surface loss, fracture
Palpation
Discolouration (yellow or grey then pulp necrosis) (pink then internal resorption)
Pocketing
TTP
Mobility
Swelling or sinus
Is the tooth in occlusion
How many special investigations are needed for a diagnosis?
Two independent positive diagnostic tests
How is a cold test used?
Endo frost on cotton wool pledges
-50ºC
Use as first line - good for vital and non-vital teeth
How is a heat test used?
Useful if pt unsure which tooth is painful
Use a heated GP stick
How is an electric pulp test used?
Dry tooth and use toothpaste as conductive medium
Electric stimulus applied to tooth at variable intensities
Gives digital reading which can be compared to a contra-lateral tooth
Tests A delta fibres
Test the cervical margin of each root
Give 5 reasons for a false positive EPT response from a non-vital tooth
Anxious patient
Young patient
Partially vital teeth - multi-rooted
Canal full of pus
When in close contact with gingival tissues or metallic restorations
Give 5 reasons for a false-negative response from vital teeth
Any from:
- heavily restored teeth
- older patients due to secondary dentine deposition
- recently traumatised teeth
- partially vital teeth
- nerve supply damaged but blood supply intact
- teeth undergoing/recent ortho tx
- pt under the influence of sedative drugs/alcohol - increased threshold
Name 4 other tests used to aid in definitive diagnosis?
Palpation
Percussion
Mobility
Radiographs - periapical
Why are pre-op radiographs taken?
To identify pathology and aid diagnosis
To assess restorability
To identify estimated working length
What are the minimum standards and images for endo tx?
Pre-operative PA
Sometimes mid-operative PA to ensure correct length prior to obturation
Post-obturation
Review
Give 4 reasons to take supplemental radiographs?
Perforation
Negotiating calcified canals
Staged obturation
To check post-space preparation
Give 4 indications for a CBCT in endo
Analysis of complex root canal systems
Assessment of treatable resorption
Pre-surgical assessment before peri-radicular surgery
Identified of extensively obliterated canals
What is dentine hypersensitivity?
Exposed dentine tubules causing pulpal hyperaesthesia
What causes dentine hypersensitivity and how does it present?
Causes - TSL, internal bleaching, gingival recession
Sharp pain with cold
Lasts no longer than a few seconds after stimulus removed
Never spontaneous
How is dentine hypersensitivity managed?
Manage the aetiology
Fluoride varnish
OH and diet advice
Desensitising agents
What is reversible pulpitis?
Inflammation of vital pulp that returns to normal with the management of the aetiology
What causes reversible pulpitis and how does it present?
Causes - caries, TSL, trauma or fracture
Sharp pain with cold, sweet or hot
Lasts no longer than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed
Never spontaneous