According to the American Association of Endodontists, Endodontics is defined as:
“that branch of dentistry concerned with the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human dental pulp and periapical tissues. Its study and practice encompass related basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp, and resultant pathological periradicular conditions”.
This definition identifies Endodontics as a central and integral part of total patient care. This is why a patient would need an Endodontic.
Most orofacial pain is of pulpal or periradicular origin, and pain to thermal stimulus is often an indication of an endodontic problem.
When the patient does report a specific complaint, the dentist has the first clue in discovering the location and etiology of the problem.
To avoid misdiagnosis and to rule out orofacial pain that is not of endodontic origin, the dentist should identify and document all signs and symptoms. Doing a toughly study of the sickness of each patient, the periodontium, jaws, sinuses, ears, temporomandibular joints, masticatory musculature, nose, eyes, blood vessels, and other structures may induce pain that mimics pulpal pain.
Observation, pulp testing, and radiographic examinations. If the patient can identify the involved tooth, it is easy for the dentist.
With an analysis of all the data considered as a whole will usually present a clearer picture of the problem.
It is critical and very important to treat the correct tooth, decide if the endodontic treatment should be done immediately or can be scheduled, without adverse consequences to the patient.
Endodontics are now in an advanced stage, with new instruments, cameras and equipment. This can all be done in one single appointment.