Referring Doctors

Endodontic Case Assessment

We partner with referring general dentists to help evaluate complex cases and determine the best path forward for your patients. Use our resources to assess case difficulty and make confident referral decisions.

Predictable healing rates of 95% and higher under ideal conditions — helping you deliver the best outcome for every patient.

Clinical Overview

Predictable Outcomes Begin with Accurate Case Assessment

Advances in the understanding of endodontic pathosis, aseptic technique, and canal preparation have led to healing rates of 95% and higher under ideal conditions — making accurate case assessment more important than ever. Salehrabi R, Rotstein I. J Endod. 2004 Dec;30(12):846–50

Achieving these outcomes depends on treatment being delivered in a predictable manner by the treating practitioner. Proper case selection, risk factor identification, and timely referral to an endodontist are essential steps in optimizing each patient's healing potential.

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has developed a suite of practical tools to help every general dentist navigate case assessment with confidence — from evaluating case difficulty to making informed referral decisions. We've compiled these resources below to support your practice and your patients.

AAE Resources

Downloadable Tools & Assessment Resources

The AAE has developed the following practical tools to help every dentist overcome case assessment pitfalls. Download any resource below to support your treatment planning, referral decisions, and continuing education.

Newsletter Article

Endodontic Case Difficulty Assessment Article

This newsletter discusses endodontic treatment planning, case assessment, and referral from an endodontist's perspective.

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Reference List

Reading List

A comprehensive list of references supporting the topic of case assessment and referral — ideal for clinicians seeking deeper evidence-based context.

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Assessment Form

AAE Case Difficulty Assessment Form and Guidelines

The Assessment Form enables a practitioner to assign levels of difficulty to a particular case by assessing risk factors that may affect the outcome of treatment. The form may also be used to assist with referral decision making and record keeping.

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Educator's Guide

Educator's Guide to Using the AAE Endodontic Case Difficulty Assessment Form

This guide is designed to assist educators in teaching predoctoral dental students objective evaluation and decision-making skills in endodontics.

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Referral Guidance

When to Refer to an Endodontist

Knowing when to refer is as important as the treatment itself. The AAE Case Difficulty Assessment Form helps practitioners identify risk factors that may compromise treatment outcomes — so every patient receives the level of care their case demands.

Patient & Medical Factors

  • Medically compromised patients (immunosuppression, bleeding disorders, bisphosphonate therapy)
  • Severe dental anxiety or inability to tolerate standard treatment
  • Limited mouth opening or restricted access to the operative field
  • Patients who have previously experienced anesthetic failure

Diagnostic Complexity

  • Atypical pain presentations or unclear diagnosis after thorough examination
  • Suspected vertical root fracture or root resorption
  • Uncertain pulpal or periapical diagnosis requiring advanced imaging (CBCT)
  • Non-odontogenic pain requiring differential diagnosis

Anatomic & Procedural Risk

  • Severely calcified canals, curved roots (>30°), or dilacerated root morphology
  • Teeth with open apices, internal/external resorption, or unusual root anatomy
  • Proximity to vital anatomic structures (mandibular nerve, maxillary sinus)
  • Teeth with previous endodontic treatment or separated instruments

Treatment Complications

  • Cases requiring endodontic retreatment due to prior treatment failure
  • Persistent symptoms following completed root canal therapy
  • Canal perforation, ledging, or instrument separation during treatment
  • Cases requiring periradicular surgery (apicoectomy) or microsurgical intervention

Not sure if a case should be referred?

We welcome calls and consultations from referring dentists. Our team is happy to review cases and provide guidance — with no obligation to refer.

Contact Our Office
Our Offices

Find the Nearest Location

With four convenient locations across Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg, referring your patients to One Endodontics is simple. Contact the office closest to your patient to schedule their appointment.

Falls Church Office

313 Park Avenue Suite #305 Falls Church, VA 22046

Monday: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday: 8am – 7pm
Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm
Sat – Sun: Closed

Sterling Office

21475 Ridgetop Cir Suite #230 Sterling, VA 20166

Monday: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
Wednesday: 8am – 6pm
Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm
Sat – Sun: Closed

Gainesville Office

7500 Iron Bar Ln Unit 203, Gainesville, VA 20155

Monday: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm
Sat – Sun: Closed

Fredericksburg Office

10039 Patriot Hwy Fredericksburg, VA 22407

Monday: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm
Sat – Sun: Closed

Woodbridge Office

2731 Marblestone Dr Unit 105, Woodbridge, VA 22192, United States

(Coming Soon)