Pulpal diagnosis

Correct pulpal diagnosis is the key to all predictable endodontic treatment. It is paramount that prior to proceeding with a treatment that will affect the contents of the pulp chamber that a clinical diagnosis of the pulp and the periapical tissues is established. This diagnosis should be based on presenting symptoms, history of symptoms, diagnostic tests and clinical findings. If it is not possible to establish the diagnosis or one diagnosis is not dominant within a differential diagnosis, therapy should not be initiated until further evaluation has been performed. In this review, current knowledge on pulpal and periapical status as it pertains to diagnosis will be reviewed. Additionally, most common diagnostic tests will be presented and critically reviewed.