23 Questions
What is the key reason for achieving the correct diagnosis before treatment?
To avoid wrong treatment
What are the characteristics of normal periapical tissues?
No tenderness to palpation or percussion
What distinguishes a periapical cyst from a granuloma?
Attachment to the root surface
What does the term 'chronic' in relation to pulpitis mean?
Persisting for a long time
Which symptom is commonly associated with acute sinusitis?
Tenderness to touch of the whole quadrant of teeth
What can periradicular infection of premolar or molar teeth lead to?
Purulent discharge into the sinus with associated pain
What can untreated pulpal or periapical infections develop into?
Something more fatal
What are symptoms closely related to the symptoms of a pulpal condition often due to?
Other conditions like facial pain and sinusitis
What is a usual sign of acute sinusitis?
Tenderness to touch of the whole quadrant of teeth
What can facial pain be closely related to?
Symptoms of a pulpal condition
What can a periradicular infection of premolar or molar teeth cause?
Purulent discharge into the sinus with associated pain
What is a usual consequence of untreated pulpal or periapical infections?
Chance to develop into something more fatal
What is the cause of reversible pulpitis?
Caries
What can lead to irreversible pulpitis?
Deep restorations
What is a symptom of acute apical periodontitis?
Exquisite tenderness to touch
What characterizes chronic apical periodontitis?
Widening of the periodontal ligament
What are the symptoms of acute apical abscess?
Intense throbbing pain
What is a potential complication of pulpal and periapical diseases?
Osteomyelitis
What symptoms can arise from infection of a maxillary tooth?
Nasal congestion and facial pain
What is a potential consequence of infection from a maxillary tooth?
Sinusitis
What can result from the spread of infection from a maxillary tooth?
Orbital cellulitis
What is a symptom of cavernous sinus thrombosis?
Sharp pain
What are potential complications of pulpal and periapical diseases?
Mediastinitis and deep neck abscess
Study Notes
Pulpal and Periapical Diseases: Causes and Symptoms
- Reversible pulpitis is caused by caries, exposed dentine, or recent dental treatment, with symptoms of short sharp pain initiated by cold and hot stimuli.
- Irreversible pulpitis is caused by caries, deep restorations, or pulp exposure, leading to intermittent or spontaneous pain initiated by hot or cold stimuli, and may become necrotic if untreated.
- Pulpal necrosis can be partial or complete, caused by symptomatic or asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis, resulting in tooth sensitivity to heat or inflammatory reactions in periapical tissues.
- Acute apical periodontitis presents as exquisitely tender to touch, with slight widening of the periodontal ligament (PDL) on radiographs.
- Chronic apical periodontitis may be asymptomatic, with widening of the PDL and a periapical radiolucency present on radiographs.
- Acute apical abscess is characterized by intense throbbing pain, tenderness to palpation, and widening of the PDL on radiographs, with the possibility of intraoral or extraoral swelling.
- Chronic apical abscess may not exhibit symptoms, but a periapical radiolucency is usually present and associated with a draining sinus tract on radiographs.
- Spread of infection from pulpal and periapical diseases can lead to conditions such as osteomyelitis, suppurative or non-suppurative, with signs and symptoms including tenderness, swelling, fever, and fatigue.
- Infection from a maxillary tooth can cause sinus-related symptoms such as nasal congestion, purulent rhinorrhea, facial pain, and pressure, potentially leading to purulent sinusitis or cellulitis.
- Orbital cellulitis can result from the spread of infection from a maxillary tooth, presenting with symptoms like protruding eye, pain, redness, and swelling, potentially causing vision loss.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis, a rare but serious condition, can occur due to the spread of infection from the head, causing sharp pain, high temperature, and vision problems.
- Mediastinitis, parapharyngeal abscess, and deep neck abscess are potential complications of pulpal and periapical diseases, with symptoms including fever, pain, and swelling in the neck, and confusion.
Test your knowledge of pulpal and periapical diseases with this quiz covering causes and symptoms of conditions such as reversible and irreversible pulpitis, pulpal necrosis, acute and chronic apical periodontitis, apical abscess, and potential complications like osteomyelitis, sinus-related symptoms, orbital cellulitis, and more.
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