|
Differential
Diagnosis of Oral Facial Pain
 A
consultation visit may be advised to determine whether or
not root canal treatment is indicated. Several tests along
with radiographic interpretation will be used to determine
the diagnosis, or the condition. Just as all stomachaches
do not require an appendectomy, nor do all toothaches require
the same treatment.
Endodontists
are trained to differentiate between pain of endodontic origin
and non-endodontic pain. Not all oral pain implies that root
canal therapy is needed. Even though pain may mimic that of
a "toothache", other possible causes of pain may
be periodontal abscess, temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) disorder,
cracked tooth syndrome, sinus infection, bruxism (grinding),
atypical facial neuralgia, blocked salivary gland, cervical
(neck) problems, etc.
In such
cases, endodontic treatment is NOT necessary, since it will
NOT resolve the problem. A referral to the proper medical
treating physician will be made.
Back
to Top
|
