Lesson 3: Restorability assessment

Assessing restorability in endodontics: A key decision for treatment viability

Overview

This video addresses the critical step of assessing restorability before endodontic treatment, using clinical case examples to illustrate decision-making. It emphasises removing existing restorations to assess the long term prognosis.

Key topics covered

• The importance of assessing the tooth restoratively
• Removing existing restorations to inspect underlying structures
• Clinical signs when assessing whether a tooth can be saved; failing dentistry, caries, cracks, and lack of sufficient tooth structure
• Loss of marginal ridge/s and flexibility of tooth
• Presentation of clinical cases demonstrating restorative considerations
• Epidemiological data on outcome and tooth rigidity
• Need for vertical and horizontal ferrule
• Considering the economic implications for endodontic treatment versus extraction

Clinical relevance

The video will allow clinicians to make well informed decisions on treatment plans, looking at several different parameters. The information will allow more effective, and less invasive endodontics.

Learning outcomes

After watching the video, clinicians will be able to:

• Outline the first step when seeing patients: assessing restorability
• Understand clinical considerations regarding cracks, caries and support of the tooth
• Discuss loss of rigidity and impact of occlusal access
• Consider the impact of periodontal disease and bone loss