Previously Initiated Therapy
Also written as: PIT — Previously Initiated Therapy
A pulpal diagnosis category denoting a tooth on which root canal treatment has been started but not completed.
Full Definition
Previously initiated therapy (PIT) is a formal AAE diagnostic category applied when a tooth has undergone partial endodontic treatment—such as pulp removal or canal instrumentation—but obturation has not yet been placed. It is typically used in interim visit documentation and referral letters. Editors must use the full three-word phrase as a proper diagnostic label; informal substitutes such as 'partly treated tooth' are inappropriate in clinical or medicolegal documents. The term signals to the receiving clinician the current treatment status and influences subsequent management decisions.
Usage
Usage note: Use the exact capitalised diagnostic label in clinical and referral documents. Do not paraphrase as 'partially treated' in formal diagnostic records.
In Context
- "The pulpal diagnosis was recorded as previously initiated therapy following emergency pulpotomy at the referring clinic." — Specialist referral letter
- "A diagnosis of previously initiated therapy (PIT) was assigned, and the patient was recalled for completion of root canal treatment." — Endodontic case notes