The Importance of Obtaining a Pulpal and Periradicular Diagnosis Prior to Restorative Treatment

Maintaining dental pulp vitality should be among the clinical goals of any restorative treatment. By obtaining a pretreatment pulpal and periradicular diagnosis before performing restorative treatment, the clinician will be better able to proceed with treatment of the pulp, especially if it is exposed during caries excavation. A pretreatment pulpal and periapical diagnosis may be effectively attained by performing five objective clinical tests: pulp sensibility, percussion (which may include bite testing), palpation, periodontal probing/ tooth mobility, and updated radiography. This article provides a description of these five clinical tests and gives an overview of current terminologies used when obtaining a pulpal and periradicular diagnosis.