CE Hours: 0.75

Description: Navigating calcified root canals poses a significant challenge in endodontics, increasing the risk of procedural errors, such as perforations and excessive tooth structure loss. This lecture will explore the evolution of technology from static guided endodontic techniques to the precision of dynamic navigation systems. Static guides, which are fabricated from a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, offer high accuracy for root canal localization by providing a physical template for drilling. However, we will also discuss the limitations of static guides, such as their inability to be adjusted intraoperatively and the need for a separate physical template. This session will then introduce Dynamic Navigation Systems (DNS) as the next step in this technological progression. Unlike static guides, DNS provides real-time 3D guidance, enabling on-the-fly adjustments during the procedure and eliminating the need for a physical template. We will compare the advantages of both approaches, examining how dynamic navigation can significantly reduce substance loss compared to freehand methods and improve efficiency for less-experienced clinicians. This lecture will provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths of each method and how its application can lead to more predictable and successful outcomes in managing complex calcified anatomies.

Learning Objectives:  

• Compare and contrast the clinical applications, accuracy, and efficiency of static guided endodontics versus dynamic navigation systems for locating calcified canals.
• Evaluate the trade-offs between static and dynamic guidance, including procedural time, the ability to make real-time adjustments, and the reliance on operator skill.
• Analyze how the progressive adoption of these digital technologies, from static guides to dynamic navigation, reduces tooth substance loss and enhances precision during endodontic access preparation.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: The MB2 canal, an anatomical feature present in maxillary molars, has garnered significant attention in endodontics due to its clinical significance and challenges in identification and treatment. This lecture aims to explore strategies for predictably locating and treating the MB2 canal, enhancing clinicians' ability to achieve successful endodontic outcomes. The first part of the lecture delves into the anatomy of maxillary molars, emphasizing the variability and prevalence of the MB2 canal. Understanding the internal morphology of these teeth is crucial for predicting the presence and location of additional canals, such as the elusive MB2. Next, the lecture will review diagnostic techniques and technologies that aid in MB2 canal detection. From advanced imaging modalities like CBCT to clinical indicators such as the presence of additional orifices, attendees will learn practical methods for identifying the MB2 canal during treatment planning. The main focus will then shift to treatment protocols optimized for managing the MB2 canal. Techniques like modified access openings, careful exploration using ultrasonic tips and microscopes, and negotiation with specific instruments will be discussed in detail. Case studies illustrating successful MB2 canal treatment will be presented, highlighting key learning points and common pitfalls to avoid. Emphasis will be placed on predictable and efficient workflows that can be incorporated into everyday practice. In conclusion, this lecture will empower attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently navigate the complexities of the MB2 canal, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in endodontic procedures involving maxillary molars.

Learning Objectives:  

• Discuss practical methods for identifying the MB2 canal during treatment planning
• Describe treatment protocols optimized for managing the MB2 canal
• Perform predictable and efficient workflows that can be incorporated into everyday practice

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: The MB2 canal, an anatomical feature present in maxillary molars, has garnered significant attention in endodontics due to its clinical significance and challenges in identification and treatment. This lecture aims to explore strategies for predictably locating and treating the MB2 canal, enhancing clinicians' ability to achieve successful endodontic outcomes. The first part of the lecture delves into the anatomy of maxillary molars, emphasizing the variability and prevalence of the MB2 canal. Understanding the internal morphology of these teeth is crucial for predicting the presence and location of additional canals, such as the elusive MB2. Next, the lecture will review diagnostic techniques and technologies that aid in MB2 canal detection. From advanced imaging modalities like CBCT to clinical indicators such as the presence of additional orifices, attendees will learn practical methods for identifying the MB2 canal during treatment planning. The main focus will then shift to treatment protocols optimized for managing the MB2 canal. Techniques like modified access openings, careful exploration using ultrasonic tips and microscopes, and negotiation with specific instruments will be discussed in detail. Case studies illustrating successful MB2 canal treatment will be presented, highlighting key learning points and common pitfalls to avoid. Emphasis will be placed on predictable and efficient workflows that can be incorporated into everyday practice. In conclusion, this lecture will empower attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently navigate the complexities of the MB2 canal, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in endodontic procedures involving maxillary molars.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe the evolution of NiTi files and the scientific basis for their classification into generations.
• Critically appraise the advantages and limitations of contemporary file systems in relation to shaping goals and dentine preservation.
• Anticipate future directions in file design, manufacturing, and regulation relevant to clinical endodontic practice.

CE Hours: 1.5

Description: Endodontic complications of varying severity can unfortunately occur during most stages of endodontic treatment. This lecture aims to enhance understanding of common endodontic complications and recommends current management and solutions with an evidence-based approach. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative issues will be discussed, including possible aetiologies and prevention during root canal therapy. We will address the impact of complications on both patients and practitioners, underscoring the importance of clear communication in preserving the clinician-patient relationship.  Attendees will gain current advice and knowledge on how to tackle endodontic complications effectively, fostering excellence in clinical practice and improved patient care.

Learning Objectives:  

• Recognize and identify common endodontic complications.
• Implement evidence based management strategies.
• Develop strategies for preventing endodontic complications.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: Pulp canal obliteration is a significant risk factor for endodontic insufficiency, and the clinical treatment approach is challenging even for specialists. Accessing root canals that may be calcified can present complications in locating, penetrating, and negotiating pulp spaces. Efforts to reduce the risk of technical errors and treatment time using new technologies, such as intraoral scanners and their software and 3D printers, have resulted in the development of a therapeutic approach to locate calcified root canals: endodontic guides or guided endodontics. During the present lecture, it will be described the therapeutic approach used in a series of cases of endodontic pathology requiring endodontic treatment of root canals, with different degrees of pulp canal obliteration. In all cases, virtually planned guided endodontics allowed access to obliterated pulp spaces. Once the canals were negotiated, endodontic treatment could be performed adequately. The present results showed static guided endodontics to be a safe accurate treatment approach in these clinical cases and a valuable tool to negotiate calcified root canals, reducing working time, risk of excessive removal of tooth structure, and iatrogenic damage to the root.

Learning Objectives:  

• Evaluate different treatment options for clinical management of calcified canals.
• Describe the steps to carry out the guided endodontics procedure, in cases of obliterated canals.
• Perform static guided endodontics as a safe and predictable procedure to manage calcified canals.

CE Hours: 1.5

Description: The restoration of endodontic access cavity and subsequent build-up is a task which would historically be granted to referring general dentist or restorative dentist. Endodontists would have traditionally more surgical background with limited restorative skills. Nevertheless with the onset of adhesive protocols and techniques it is far more advantageous for the endodontist to be able to seal and rebuild the tooth core immediately after any procedure inside or near pulpal cavity - may it be RCT, NS-RCRT or vital pulp therapy. The presentation will guide through current possibilities to securely close and restore any core defect. Due to specific nature of the endodontic access cavity, great care must be paid to dentin adhesion and resin composite shrinkage issue. Outcome of such action will result in immediate seal of the root canal system and steady stress distribution within the remaining hard dental tissues.

Learning Objectives:  

• Identify clinically relevant factors of adhesive postendodontic treatment
• Indicate the need to use a fiberpost or other form of resin composite during adhesive postendodontic treatment
• Describe in detail the single session procedure steps of adhesive buildup.

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: Dealing with obliterated root canals presents a significant challenge in endodontic practice, often leading to treatment difficulties, stress and compromised outcomes. This presentation aims to equip endodontists with essential knowledge of four key principles required to effectively map dentine and localize obliterated root canals. By implementing these principles, endodontists can lower the risks associated with missed anatomy, feel confident when working in highly calcified teeth, and navigate the challenges associated with complex root canal anatomy in a predictable way.

Learning Objectives:  

• List 4 simple rules to locate canals in challenging endodontic cases.
• Describe the importance of dentinal color changes when locating canals.
• Minimize the occurrence of missed anatomy during treatments/retreatments.

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: The pulpal access preparation plays a crucial role in facilitating effective cleaning and shaping of the root canals. However, conducting visual evaluations and providing individual feedback to many students can be an extremely time-consuming task for faculty members. The well-known E4D Compare is a software widely used by US dental schools for prosthodontic laboratory assignments. Since their first year in dental school, students receive training on scanning and comparing their dental anatomy wax-ups to faculty-determined ideal models. This software was successfully adapted to compare students’ pulpal access cavities to the ideal access uploaded by faculty. In addition to the qualitative comparison, students receive a similarity score. Moreover, a specific tool permits students to evaluate their access opening size based on ADEX criteria, helping them prepare for this licensure exam. By utilizing 3D self-assessment evaluations, students can evaluate their work independently, and faculty members can provide targeted feedback where needed.

Learning Objectives:  

• Recognize basic tools and functions of the software.
• Incorporate the 3D analysis into their teaching strategies.
• Involve students in the evaluation process through self-assessment.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: Computer Guided Endodontic Solutions for Complex Cases. With the introduction of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), intra-oral scanning, 3D planning software, 3D printers and computer aided dynamic navigation devices, It is possible to plan ahead, in a very precise, predictable, more conservative way computer aided procedures with lower clinical times for high difficulty cases, such as, severely calcified canals, endodontic microsurgery of cases with intact cortical bone close to important anatomical structures like the maxillary sinus, the mental foramen or the mandibular canal, and tooth autotransplantation of  both mature or immature teeth. The necessary digital work flow for static 3D-printed guides or dynamic virtual guides and the available scientific evidence will be discussed in detail as well as the clinical protocols and required armamentarium.  Several clinical cases of each type of guided treatment will be shown and described step by step with proper follow up periods displaying a positive outcome.

Learning Objectives:  

• List the digital work flow necessary to perform computer aided endodontic treatments.
• Evaluate if a specific case is indicated, or not, to be treated with a computer aided or guided procedure.
• Discuss the possibility of offering these types of treatments to a patient.

CE Hours: 1.5

Description: Soft tissue management is of paramount importance for a successful Endodontic Microsurgical procedure. Raising a flap is first step to gaining access to the apical area. The flap design determines the quality of the access to the surgical site and also influences the healing of the soft tissues. Many criteria should be considered when choosing a type of incision: position of the tooth to be treated, extent of the lesion, evaluation of the quality of the existing fixed prostheses, and status and health of the periodontium in the area of the surgery.  A good knowledge of the anatomy of the soft tissues is also essential for choosing the right type of incision. This presentation will address all the theoretical and clinical aspects of proper soft tissue management in Endodontic Microsurgery.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe the anatomy of soft tissue encountered during Endodontic Microsurgery
• Choose the proper flap design for a successful Endodontic Microsurgery
• Choose the most suitable suturing technique for Endodontic Microsurgery