Assessing inferior dental nerve injury risk in orthograde root canal treatment

Abstract

Nerve injury associated with root canal treatment is relatively rare, but can lead to significant morbidity. The role of 2D and 3D radiography in case assessment is explored and a new three-tier grading system is proposed to aid in risk assessment and clinical decision-making. This grading system would assist dentists to fully appraise patients, gain appropriate informed consent and guide treatment of endodontic cases where there is an increased risk of nerve injury. CPD/Clinical Relevance: A new three-tier grading system to assist in the pre-operative assessment and risk management of endodontic cases where there is an increased risk of nerve injury is proposed.