Unraveling the Neurobiological Foundations of Endodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

CE Hours: 1.75

Description: The diagnosis and treatment of dental pain is fundamental to the practice of endodontics. However, there can often be a disconnect between the experience of pain in a patient and the presence of clinical disease. Teeth are uniquely innervated and cause severe pain and sensitization of the nervous system, even when there is minimal or no pathology in the pulp. Sensitization can lead to a confusing presentation of symptoms and complicate determining the diagnosis. Furthermore, persistent pain can occur even after successful endodontic treatment, due to changes in the nervous system that have been triggered by the original injury to the pulp. Endodontic materials, including sealers, can injure nervous tissues. In this presentation, we will review the current science underlying clinically relevant issues relating to pain and provide practical guidelines for minimizing risk for chronic pain after routine endodontic treatments

Learning Objectives: 

• Explain how the unique innervation of the dental pulp can lead to peripheral and central sensitization.
• Explain how sensitization can impact endodontic diagnostic testing.
• Recognize how treatment planning decisions can reduce risk for chronic pain.