A structured way to evaluate difficulty
The American Association of Endodontists developed its Case Difficulty Assessment Form to help clinicians evaluate factors that may affect treatment complexity and outcome. The tool can support case selection, referral decisions, and recordkeeping.
Open the current AAE case-assessment tools
This maintained AAE collection replaces the older document copies formerly linked through PBHS. It includes the case-difficulty form, supporting references, referral guidance, and current digital tools in one location.
Factors considered
The assessment reviews three broad areas:
- Patient considerations, including medical history, anesthesia, cooperation, access, and the urgency of the condition.
- Diagnostic and treatment considerations, including diagnosis, radiographic findings, resorption, trauma, prior treatment, and proximity to important anatomy.
- Additional considerations, such as tooth position, inclination, rotation, canal morphology, restorability, and procedural complications.
The form groups cases into low, moderate, or high difficulty based on the combination of risk factors present. It is a decision-support resource, not a substitute for clinical judgment.
When to consult or refer
Consider a specialist conversation when the expected difficulty exceeds the clinician’s experience or available technology, when diagnosis remains uncertain, when previous treatment has not healed, or when preserving the natural tooth requires advanced nonsurgical or surgical options.
Dr. Moore welcomes communication with referring dentists. Call 913-642-3636 to discuss a case or coordinate an evaluation.