Abstract

A correct finding of the ailment of the pulp in teeth conceded by caries, dental processes or other forms of injury is vital for arriving at a proper conclusion for the treatment. Essential evidence in this respect is whether the pulp is vital or necrotic. It is similarly important to be able to ascertain whether the pulp is reversibly or irreversibly inflamed, mainly in connection with a carious or traumatic exposure of the tissue. In other words, can the pulp heal and continue in a long‐term perception or is it scratched to the extent that it is not curable, and is a root canal treatment required? Diagnostic information is gained from the patient's history of pain or irritation, the experience of trauma or restorative techniques, clinical examinations, results of clinical tests and radiographic assessment of the teeth and the surrounding tissues. A diagnosis is rarely based on a single finding, but rather on a set of reflections. The clinical condition may be so complex that a proper diagnosis and treatment outcome requires a diagnostic process comprising several steps.