Endodontics: Part 3 Treatment of endodontic emergencies

doi:doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4811641

British Dental Journal 197, 299 - 305 (2004)
Published online: 25 September 2004 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4811641

Verifiable CPD Paper:
Endodontics: Part 3 Treatment of endodontic emergencies

P Carrotte¹

Before any dental treatment is provided it is essential that the patient's symptoms have been correctly diagnosed.
Conditions causing dental pain on first presentation may include pulpitis (reversible or irreversible), periapical periodontitis, dental abscess, as well as cracked tooth syndrome and other oro-facial pain disorders.
Conditions arising during treatment may include high restorations, (probably the most common), root or crown fractures, problems with root canal instrumentation and infection.
Following treatment pain may be due to any of the above, or failure of the root canal treatment. However, patients should always be cautioned to expect a certain amount of post-treatment discomfort.

Endodontics

The modern concept of root canal treatment
Diagnosis and treatment planning
Treatment of endodontic emergencies
Morphology of the root canal system
Basic instruments and materials for root canal treatment
Rubber dam and access cavities
Preparing the root canal
Filling the root canal system
Calcium hydroxide, root resorption, endo-perio lesions
Endodontic treatment for children
Surgical endodontics
Endodontic problems

The swift and correct diagnosis of emergency problems is essential when providing treatment, especially in a busy dental practice. A diagnosis must be made and appropriate treatment provided in usually just a few minutes. The sequence considered here encompasses problems presenting before, during and after dental treatment. Various diagnostic aids are considered, and some unusual presenting conditions discussed.

Top