Radiographic pulpal calcifications: normal or abnormal--a paradox.

A survey was sent to all 525 (domestic) Diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics. It inquired as to the interpretation of the findings of radiographic pulpal calcifications (RPC) and how it might impact on treatment. The response to the question of pathological significance of RPC was divided equally between those who felt it was a sign of pathosis and those who did not. The remaining seven questions were overwhelmingly agreed upon: RPC are important findings included in differential diagnosis; nonsurgical root canal treatment was routinely attempted regardless of the extent of RPC; patients were informed prior to treatment of potential obstacles; and as a rule diplomates devote no more than 10% of their practice to surgical endodontics.