Pulp form

Formulating a diagnosis is part of a sequence of steps or procedures which can be referred to as the “diagnostic process.”

There are 11 stages 1. History taking—medical, dental, and the presenting complaint 2. Clinical examination 3. Clinical tests 4. Taking and interpretation of radiographs and/or other images 5. Formulating the diagnosis/diagnoses 6. Identifying the cause(s) of the disease(s) 7. Assessing the management options 8. Discussion with the patient 9. Finalizing the management plan with the patient’s consent 9. Tooth investigation—suitability for restoration/case selection 10. Records—note all findings and discussions in the patien

General medical history As required for all dental procedures Presenting complaint Long- and short-term history Past and current symptoms Past and recent treatment Medications being used (prescribed, self-prescribed, alternative) Description of PAIN: location, onset, nature, duration, stimuli, relief, referred Clinical examination Visually examine tissues for puckering, indentation, draining sinus, facial asymmetry, swelling, etc. Probe pits, fissures, grooves and tooth surfaces for caries Assess restorations and probe all margins Transillumination of the tooth with a fibre-optic light (re cracks) Periodontal probing Mobility Biting on individual cusps (e.g., with a ‘Tooth Slooth’, ‘FracFinder’) Clinical tests Pulp sensibility tests Periradicular tests Radiographic examination Tooth investigation Cold (e.g., CO2—dry ice) Electric Heat (if required, e.g., when only complaint is sensitivity to heat) Percussion Palpation Periapical radiographs (all cases) Other images may be required for some cases (e.g., tube shift periapical radiographs, bitewing radiographs, occlusal radiograph, panoramic radiograph, CT scans, etc.) Remove all restorations, caries, cracks Transillumination of the cavity, cusps, marginal ridges, etc. Assess whether, and how, the tooth can be restored again Assess the need for any other treatment (e.g., periodontal) Assess the long term prognosis of the tooth (consider endodontic, periodontal and restorative aspects