Endodontics for General Dentists: Case Selection Criteria Dr. Sara Markovic, DDS, MA, MSc, FRCD(C), is an endodontist at River Street Endodontics in Toronto. When deciding to refer or treat a patient who needs endodontic treatment, general dentists should review: z patient considerations z diagnostic and treatment considerations z concomitant periodontal involvement z a history of trauma z past endodontic treatment There is a lot to consider in deciding whether to refer a patient for endodontic treatment. Patients may prefer seeing their general dentist rather than a specialist that is located somewhere else and uses a different fee schedule. Or a dentist might want to gain clinical experience and improve their level of expertise by performing the treatment. And sometimes, frequent referrals may lower the economic productivity of the practice. On the other hand, initiating endodontic treatment without adequate technology or the proper level of expertise may lead to unwanted complications or patient complaints. For a good prognosis, the treatment rendered should be timely, appropriate and done competently. Dentists are expected to recognize their limitations and refer patients to others, when appropriate. This article reviews case selection criteria and discusses the increasing number of tools available to assist in the case selection process. 27 Issue 1 | 2025 |
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