Endodontics
Core Concepts
Endodontics deals with the dental pulp and periapical tissues. Candidates must understand pulp pathology (reversible vs. irreversible pulpitis, necrosis), diagnostic tests (cold test, EPT, percussion, palpation, radiographic interpretation), and treatment modalities (pulpotomy, pulpectomy, root canal treatment, retreatment). Key concepts include working length determination, cleaning and shaping, irrigation (e.g., sodium hypochlorite), obturation, and management of endodontic emergencies.
Common Traps
Questions often test the diagnosis of pulpitis: reversible pulpitis has sharp, transient pain to stimuli; irreversible has spontaneous, lingering pain. Another trap is the interpretation of radiographs: a widened PDL may indicate early periapical pathosis. Also, be clear on the management of a hot tooth (emergency pulpectomy) and the correct sequence for access, shaping, and obturation.
Worked Example / Rule of Thumb
A patient has spontaneous night pain in a molar with a deep restoration. Diagnosis: irreversible pulpitis. Treatment: root canal therapy. Rule of thumb: always obtain a definitive diagnosis before initiating treatment; if in doubt, perform vitality tests and review.