S-13 Radiographic Interpretation and Endodontic Diagnosis: is This Lesion Benign or Malignant?

CE Hours: 1.5

Description: For endodontists, it is easy to assume that any radiolucency associated with pain is of pulpal or inflammatory origin, especially if the tooth has a significant restorative history.  However, numerous disease entities of variable clinical significance can be identified in the periapical region and differentiating the typical endodontic presentation from that of a potentially more life threatening or insidious etiology is of critical importance to ensure ideal management and outcome.  This review, based on clinical cases, will highlight the limitations of pulp testing, periapical imaging and cone beam computerized tomography.  A systematic method to develop a differential diagnosis of periapical pathology will be the main focus of this discussion.

Learning Objectives:  

• Recognize the limits of available technology and issues related to pulp testing and radiographic imaging.
• Describe how the growth pattern of the various pathologies affects clinical management and recurrence rates
• Discuss the radiographic changes consistent with non-inflammatory etiologies and recognize when referral for biopsy is indicated.