The stressed pulp condition: an endodontic-restorative diagnostic concept

Abstract

The stressed pulp condition is a clinical concept that describes pulps that have received repeated previous injury and survived with diminished responses and lessened repair potentials. Before performing restorative dentistry the dentist should conduct a comprehensive pulpal health evaluation on teeth to be restored. This evaluation should include (1) traditional pulp-testing methods and (2) a review of the past, present, and planned future treatment of the tooth. This analysis will usually identify teeth with stressed pulp conditions. Teeth with stressed pulps should be treated before complex restorative dentistry.