The predictive value of endodontic diagnostic tests

The diagnostic usefulness of common endodontic tests was evaluated through the retrospective analysis of studies in which histologic examinations were performed. In general, tests were able to adequately identify persons who were likely to be free of disease but were substantially less effective in identifying disease-positive persons. Thus, persons who are test-positive for irreversible pulpal disease are frequently disease-negative on the basis of histologic examination. These findings suggest that practitioners continue to use all available evidence in making a diagnosis of irreversible pulpal disease.