Endodontic diagnostic dilemmas: thorough examination may preclude inappropriate treatment

In situations where suspicious lesions of undetermined origins are encountered, it is important for clinicians to consider non-endodontic and perhaps non-odontogenic sources to properly diagnose the condition in order to provide appropriate treatment. Differential diagnoses may include cysts, anatomic variations, and neoplastic lesions. Diagnostic dilemmas and misperceptions can be prevented and ineffective treatment avoided by thoroughly reviewing the patient's medical and dental histories and employing a detailed clinical and radiographic examination. This article presents three cases that were referred to the authors' clinic for endodontic treatment but were ultimately diagnosed as non-endodontic in origin.