Summary of ideas and questions for DPBRN research studies raised during the October 6, 2006 orientation session in Birmingham, AL

For asymptomatic cracked or crazed teeth, how long can you wait without consequence?  What percent crack further to make them non-restorable?  What percent do fine without any treatment?  Is there a difference between long-term outcomes for anterior teeth as compared to posterior teeth?

For symptomatic cracked teeth, which symptoms are associated with the worst long-term outcomes?  Is full crown coverage a sufficient treatment, or is a combined root canal-full crown treatment better?

For primary teeth that suffer a traumatic injury and become discolored, but asymptomatic, what percent stay discolored?  Is pulpotomy the best treatment, or is no treatment fine for a large percentage of these teeth?

How predictable are the long-term outcomes of root-canal-treated teeth?  Are there clinical signs and patient characteristics at first presentation that predict long-term success of the root canal treatment?

What is the incidence of toothache pain that actually is not due to dental cause?

What is the incidence of molar tooth symptoms that is actually due to sinus disease?  Is this incidence substantially higher in the Spring or a period of high allergens?

What is the incidence of need to root canal therapy of teeth that were crowned only because they served as a bridge abutment adjacent to an edentulous space?

When is an endo/crown treatment better than placement of an implant in the edentulous space?  How should we factor in a patient impatience in waiting for the implant healing of the edentulous area?

What is the incidence of backache and neck ache in dentists?  How does dentist positioning, patient positioning, equipment type, and dentist''s exercise and stretching habits affect this incidence?

How common is inadequate local anesthesia in dental practice?  Are certain patient characteristics associate with inadequate anesthesia?  Does time of day affect reported inadequacy?