Unraveling the Neurobiological Foundations of Endodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
CE Hours: 1.75
Description: The diagnosis and treatment of dental pain is fundamental to the practice of endodontics. However, there can often be a disconnect between the experience of pain in a patient and the presence of clinical disease. Teeth are uniquely innervated and cause severe pain and sensitization of the nervous system, even when there is minimal or no pathology in the pulp. Sensitization can lead to a confusing presentation of symptoms and complicate determining the diagnosis. Furthermore, persistent pain can occur even after successful endodontic treatment, due to changes in the nervous system that have been triggered by the original injury to the pulp. Endodontic materials, including sealers, can injure nervous tissues. In this presentation, we will review the current science underlying clinically relevant issues relating to pain and provide practical guidelines for minimizing risk for chronic pain after routine endodontic treatments
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how the unique innervation of the dental pulp can lead to peripheral and central sensitization.
- Explain how sensitization can impact endodontic diagnostic testing.
- Recognize how treatment planning decisions can reduce risk for chronic pain.
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Jennifer L. Gibbs, MS, DDS, PhD
Dr. Jennifer L. Gibbs received her dental degree (DDS) and her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. She completed her Endodontic training, post-doctoral research, and a Master’s degree (MAS) in Clinical Research from the University of California San Francisco.
Dr. Gibbs is currently an Assistant Professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, serving as the Division Head of Endodontics, and the program director of the Advanced Graduate Program in Endodontics. She is also a practicing endodontist at HSDM and a diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.
Dr. Gibbs heads a translational research group focused on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of orofacial pain with a focus on the nociceptors of the dental pulp. She is a past Educator Fellow of the American Association of Endodontics Foundation and her research has been funded by the NIH/NIDCR, the AAE foundation, and other foundations.
Disclosure
In accordance with this policy, I declare that I have NO past or present proprietary or relevant financial relationship or receive gifts in kind (including soft intangible remuneration), consulting position or affiliation, or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service, course and/or company, or in any firm beneficially associated therewith.