Diagnostic cases or consultation cases make up the highest number of endodontic appointments. A diagnostic or consultation appointment is made when symptoms, x-rays, or patient interpetation does not definitely point to the need for endodontic treatment. During diagnosis one or more x-rays will be taken, pulp tests performed, and a clinical exam is made in an effort to properly diagnosis the patients chief complaint. In our office we practice "evidence based endodontics." That is, we only recommend endodontic treatment if the evidence supports it. There are many conditions that can cause head and neck pain and mimic a root canal problem that do not require endodontic treatment. Some of these are:

• defective restorations
• cracks
• periodontal disease
• trigeminal neuralgia
• TMJ/bruxing
• sinus infections viral infections cysts, tumors

We schedule large blocks of chair time, usually 1 1/2 to 2 hours, so that we can give enough time to properly treat complex cases. Therefore, proper diagnosing allows us to use our and the patients time in the most efficient manner.