Changes

==Interpreting Endodontic Disease==

==Interpreting Endodontic Disease==

Radiographs may provide information about the presence, nature, and severity of periapical and [[Enamel Organ#Root|root]] pathology. This information is essential for the diagnosis of endodontic disease as well as for the prognosis of its treatment. Radiographs do not provide direct information about [[Enamel Organ#Pulp|pulp]] health; however, many of the effects of pulp pathology are radiographically visible.<br><br>

[[Intra-Oral Radiography|Radiographs]] may provide information about the presence, nature, and severity of periapical and [[Enamel Organ#Root|root]] pathology. This information is essential for the diagnosis of [[Endodontic Conditions|endodontic disease]] as well as for the prognosis of its treatment. Radiographs do not provide direct information about [[Enamel Organ#Pulp|pulp]] health; however, many of the effects of pulp pathology are radiographically visible.<br><br>

Clinical findings that may indicate the presence of endodontic disease include a fractured tooth with exposure of the pulp chamber, a discolored tooth, or an intraoral or extraoral draining fistula. Except in the obvious case of a direct pulp exposure, a definitive diagnosis of endodontic pathology is difficult to make based only on [[Oral Examination|clinical examination]] of veterinary patients due to the limitations of pulp testing and lack of patient input. <br><br>

Clinical findings that may indicate the presence of endodontic disease include a fractured [[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|tooth]] with exposure of the pulp chamber, a discolored tooth, or an intraoral or extraoral draining fistula. Except in the obvious case of a direct pulp exposure, a definitive diagnosis of endodontic pathology is difficult to make based only on [[Oral Examination|clinical examination]] of veterinary patients due to the limitations of pulp testing and lack of patient input. <br><br>

Radiographs should be made of teeth that are fractured, close to a draining fistula, intrinsically discolored, anomalous, or compromised from [[Periodontal Disease|periodontal disease]] to determine the extent of the problem and to evaluate the endodontic and periradicular health.<br><br>

Radiographs should be made of teeth that are fractured, close to a draining fistula, intrinsically discolored, anomalous, or compromised from [[Periodontal Disease|periodontal disease]] to determine the extent of the problem and to evaluate the endodontic and periradicular health.<br><br>

Dental radiographs can be misleading and unreliable. Early endodontic disease may not show any radiographic abnormalities, while superimposed anatomy can mimic endodontic disease on a radiograph of a healthy tooth. Despite these limitations, dental radiographs continue to be the best tool available to evaluate endodontic health in veterinary patients. The site of exit does not always directly correlate to the problem tooth. Radiographs are needed to determine which tooth is involved.<br><br>

Dental radiographs can be misleading and unreliable. Early endodontic disease may not show any radiographic abnormalities, while superimposed anatomy can mimic endodontic disease on a radiograph of a healthy tooth. Despite these limitations, dental radiographs continue to be the best tool available to evaluate endodontic health in veterinary patients. The site of exit does not always directly correlate to the problem tooth. Radiographs are needed to determine which tooth is involved.<br><br>

[[Category:Intra-Oral Radiography]]

[[Category:Intra-Oral Radiography]]

[[Category:To Do - Dentistry Images]]

[[Category:To Do - Dentistry Images]]