Diseases of the pulp tissues are dynamic and
progressive in nature (Fig 1). Each disease condition may
progress to other conditions if left untreated. Hence, the
signs and symptoms will vary depending on the stage of
the disease at the time the patient presents for treatment.
In addition, the reaction to and the perception of pain
will vary between individual patients and is influenced
by the individual’s emotional status and the coping
strategies used to manage the pain. Many of the signs
and symptoms overlap between the various pulp
conditions due to the dynamic interactions and the
progressive nature of the disease process. Therefore, the
following descriptions of pulp diseases are based on the
typical presenting complaints and clinical findings. When
making a diagnosis, clinicians should be aware of the
dynamic nature of the pulp disease process whilst also
taking into consideration the limitations of assessing the
true state of the pulp’s blood supply with current pulp
testing and examination techniques.
progressive in nature (Fig 1). Each disease condition may
progress to other conditions if left untreated. Hence, the
signs and symptoms will vary depending on the stage of
the disease at the time the patient presents for treatment.
In addition, the reaction to and the perception of pain
will vary between individual patients and is influenced
by the individual’s emotional status and the coping
strategies used to manage the pain. Many of the signs
and symptoms overlap between the various pulp
conditions due to the dynamic interactions and the
progressive nature of the disease process. Therefore, the
following descriptions of pulp diseases are based on the
typical presenting complaints and clinical findings. When
making a diagnosis, clinicians should be aware of the
taking into consideration the limitations of assessing the
true state of the pulp’s blood supply with current pulp
testing and examination techniques.