Pulpal/Apical Diagnosis Flashcards
Pulpal diagnosis categories
Normal pulp
Reversible pulpits
Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis
Asymptomatic irreversible pulpits
Pulpal necrosis
Previously initiated
Previously tx
Apical diagnosis categories
Normal apical tissues
Symptomatic apical periodontitis
Asymptomatic apical periodontitis
Chronic apical abscess
Acute apical abscess
Condensing Osteitis
Features of normal pulp
Responds to sensibility testing
No symptoms/radiographic findings
Features of reversible pulpitis
Mild reversible inflammation of pulp
Usually lasts few seconds
Cold
Features of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis
Vital inflamed pulp incapable of healing RCT or XLa indicated
Lingering sharp thermal pain
Spontaneous pain
Referred pain
Does not respond to painkillers
Postural changes
Features of asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis
Vital inflamed pulp incapable of healing RCT or XLa indicated
No symptoms
Usually responds to testing
PAP
Features of pulpal necrosis
End stage pulpitis - pulp death
Bad taste/swelling/smell
Can be discoloured due to lack of blood supply
Features of normal apical tissues
Not TTP
Lamina dura intact + PDL space uniform
Features of symptomatic apical periodontitis
Inflammation of apical periodontium
Painful on biting
TTP
May/may not have PAP
Features of asymptomatic apical periodontitis
Inflammation + destruction of the apical periodontium
No symptoms
PAP
Features of chronic apical abscess
Inflammatory response to pulpal infection + necrosis
Gradual onset
Little/no discomfort
Intermittent discharge of pus
Radiolucency
Features of acute apical abscess
Inflammatory response to pulpal infection + necrosis
Rapid onset
Spontaneous pain
Pus + swelling
Pts often experience malaise, fever, lymphadenopathy
Features of condensing osteitis
Diffuse radiopaque lesion
Localised bony reaction to low grade inflammation
