Endodontic Diagnosis
Endodontic treatment becomes essential when the pulp becomes infected or irreversibly inflamed. Some of the most common causes of infections and inflammation include cracks, chips, decay or caries, deep restorations, and even repetitive dental procedures. At Elite Endodontics, we often encounter patients requiring endodontic diagnosis due to inflammation caused by trauma. At times, there is tooth discoloration. You cannot afford to leave pulp infection or inflammation untreated, as it can further cause an abscess or pain.
Signs & Symptoms When You Need Endodontic Diagnosis
If you or a loved one experiences the following signs or symptoms, it is recommended to contact our endodontic office for an appointment:
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat/cold
- Unprovoked pain
- Tenderness or swelling of adjacent gums
- Tooth discoloration
Often, some patients don’t have any symptoms. In that case, endodontic diagnosis may require a radiographic examination of the infected area.
Apical Diagnosis
- Asymptomatic apical periodontitis has a visible periapical radiolucency without any clinical symptoms.
- Symptomatic apical periodontitis involves painful response to biting and/or tenderness to percussion and/or palpation.
- Chronic apical abscess involves an infection characterized by discharge of pus associated with a sinus tract. Most patients experience little or no discomfort.
- Acute apical abscess involves extreme pain and noticeable facial swelling.
Examination & Endodontic Diagnostic Procedures
Endodontic diagnosis is often a complex procedure because the diagnosis cannot be complete from a single piece of information. Dr. Danni Sayman, our endodontist, can take the following steps for diagnosis:
- Taking medical and dental history
- Formulation of a preliminary diagnosis, especially when there is a primary complaint
- Conducting clinical and radiographic examinations
- Conducting periodontal assessment and clinical testing, including pulp and periapical testing for confirming our preliminary diagnosis
Sometimes, the radiographic and clinical examinations may provide inconclusive or conflicting results. This affects our periapical and pulp diagnoses. We may schedule a reassessment for a more effective diagnosis in that case. Proper treatment can be rendered only after a comprehensive endodontic diagnosis is provided.
How Do We Make a Difference?
With every endodontic diagnosis, our patients get our undivided attention. We do not hurry through the process. Dr. Sayman will listen closely to you, thoroughly explain the diagnosis and proposed treatment, and answer all your queries. Dr. Sayman will never do a root canal unless he is 100% sure the procedure is needed.
We are led by a perfectionist endodontist who is devoted to clinical excellence. We use the latest and most advanced equipment and evidence-based techniques. This also includes the latest 3D Cone Beam CT Scan. All these elements are essential for effective and successful endodontic treatment.