CE Hours: 0.75

Description: Cemental tears can be difficult to diagnose and sometimes even harder to treat. Even the best clinicians can miss diagnose them unless familiar with what to look for. The clinical signs, symptoms, and radiographic appearance of cemental tears are not always obvious even on a CBCT. However, a cemental tear can be the reason why some of those flawless non-surgical root canal therapies or apical surgeries may not heal. Unnecessary endodontic treatment can sometimes be the result of misdiagnosis. Management with a surgical approach is required to save teeth with cemental tears. We will review the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment options of cemental tears.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe the etiology of a cemental tear.
• Diagnose a cemental tear and determine the classification based on radiographic and clinical findings.
• List the treatment options of cemental tears based on their classification.

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: The purpose of vital pulp therapy (VPT) is to maintain the health of all or part of the pulp in normal or inflamed pulps. This group of treatments includes direct pulp capping, partial and full pulpotomy. For decades, VPT has been recommended and widely accepted as treatment for mechanical or carious pulp exposure of permanent immature teeth, with pre-operative diagnosis of normal pulp or pulpitis, to assure completion of root formation (apexogenesis). Over the past decade, advancements in our understanding of pulp biology coupled with the development of new bioactive materials have expanded the indications for VPT. Recent high-quality scientific evidence encouraged clinicians, and also endodontic associations, to suggest VPT as a predictable approach for treatment of mature permanent teeth with preoperative inflammation, in order to conserve the pulp’s protective mechanisms and great healing capacities. Notably, pulpotomy now offers a viable alternative to traditional root canal treatments for mature permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The success of VPT greatly depends on i) the absence of microorganisms, and ii) the pulpal immunocompetence/level of inflammation. Presently, these conditions cannot be reliably assessed through clinical methods alone. Consequently, it is essential to integrate meticulous pre-operative pulp diagnosis with careful intraoperative assessment of pulp tissue to ensure proper case selection. Furthermore, strict adherence to established operative protocols is crucial to improve treatment outcomes.

Learning Objectives:  

• Explain the histopathologic basis for clinical application of pulpotomy.
• Describe how intraoperative pulp tissue assessment influences the clinical decision making process.
• Discuss the factors affecting the immediate and long term outcome of pulpotomy.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: This session will focus on the key aspects of painful TMDs and other orofacial pain conditions, including neuropathic, neurovascular, and nociplastic types, which can mimic or overlap with endodontic pain. The multifactorial etiology and contributing factors—such as occlusion, trauma, and psychosocial influences—of common non-odontogenic orofacial pain conditions will be outlined. We will explore important symptoms, medical history, and personal factors that may affect the pain experience and indicate a non-endodontic origin of pain in endodontic patients. Additionally, a brief TMD pain screening questionnaire tailored for a busy endodontic practice will be reviewed. A validated TMD examination protocol, alongside internationally recognized diagnostic criteria and differential diagnostic measures for neurovascular, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain, will also be presented.

Learning Objectives:  

• Identify nonodontogenic orofacial pain diagnoses with a potential to masquerade as endodontic pain. Categorize toothaches originating from nondental sources into one of four main groups of nonodontogenic pain conditions.
• Demonstrate understanding of multifactorial etiology and contributing factors to the most common nonodontogenic orofacial pain conditions.
• Reference and utilize relevant screening tools, diagnositc criteria, and differential diagnostic measures for various orofacial pain conditions mimicking endodontic pain. 

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: 

Since the launch of calcium silicate-based bioceramic sealers, the popularity of its clinical applications has grown dramatically in the last 16 years. Almost 50% of the AAE members and 27% of the ADA members reported using this type of sealer, which have surpassed resin-based sealers and it has become the most widely-used sealer type among endodontists. 

Due to the increase of the interest of these sealers, several companies have developed its own version of a calcium silicate-based bioceramics products (sealer and putty). The majority of these products are pre-mixed which simplify the clinical use. While the verity of these products in the market increase considerably in the last 5 years, the number of clinical and laboratory studies on the latest products have been limited. Although many of them are called bioceramic sealers, there are many variation, among them, their chemical components, sealability, biological activities and more.  

In this presentation we will compare the most popular pre-mixed bioceramic products in the market and show their clinical applications and obturation techniques.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe the endodontic hydraulic bioceramic cements and their clinical interactions 
• Update and compare the traditional and new bioceramics materials available on the market
• Demonstrate tips and tricks on how to use these materials in different clinical cases

CE Hours: 0.75

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: Cybercriminals are watching. As a dental professional, you are a high-value target for hackers, identity thieves, and ransomware attacks. Your patient data, financial records, and personal information are all at risk. One wrong click, one weak password, or one overlooked update could open the door to a catastrophic breach. Cybersecurity is no longer optional, it is the only thing standing between you and a devastating financial or reputational loss. This session will show you the real threats you face and how to take immediate, effective action before it’s too late.

Learning Objectives:  

• Identify and assess key cybersecurity threats targeting individuals and organizations, including phishing, social engineering, and data breaches.
• Implement and demonstrate effective cybersecurity best practices by applying the right balance of people, processes, and technology to mitigate risks.
• Develop and evaluate a personal or organizational cybersecurity strategy that enhances protection, response, and resilience against evolving cyber threats

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: Managing large cystic periapical lesions presents significant challenges for clinicians, especially when non-surgical treatment or retreatment options prove ineffective. Surgical intervention involving debridement and apical resection may be deemed contraindicated due to factors such as the proximity to vital anatomical structures, the risk of damage to adjacent teeth, and compromised healing associated with significant bony defects. Despite these challenges, decompression offers a minimally invasive treatment alternative that is frequently overlooked in modern dentistry. This presentation aims to explore the indications and advantages of decompression in treating large cystic periapical lesions. Through clinical case studies and follow-ups, we will demonstrate essential steps, including pre-operative assessment using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, needle aspiration-irrigation techniques, and the placement of a Penrose drain. Furthermore, we will review pertinent literature to highlight the biological principles, clinical efficacy, and long-term outcomes associated with decompression.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe the clinical indications for decompression and conduct a preoperative assessment using conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.
• Perform aspiration irrigation techniques and utilize a Penrose drain for decompression.
• Evaluate the outcome of decompression in treating large cystic periapical lesions.

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: The optimal goal of endodontics  core and since is remove apical pathology and prevent recurrence of infection to root canal systems. Periapical persistence infection may fail to heal after primary root canal treatment due to variable mechanical or biological causes. However, correct decision making, and precise case selection play an important factor to have better clinical outcomes options.The aim of this presentation is to discuss briefly the factors affecting case selection and their impact on the clinical outcomes of surgical and non-surgical retreatment cases. Key learning points and objectives: 1. Identify the causes of post-treatment diseases2- Recognize the optimal endodontic case selection criteria for successful clinical outcomes 3. Evaluate the clinical outcomes of surgical and non-surgical retreatment4. Review alternative options for retreatment approaches and techniques

Learning Objectives:  

• Identify the causes of posttreatment diseases.
• Recognize the optimal endodontic case selection criteria for successful clinical outcomes.
• Evaluate the clinical outcomes of surgical and nonsurgical retreatment.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: Understanding of the relationship between Endodontics and systemic disease has evolved considerably over the past century, from the initial pseudo-science related to the focal infection theory to modern day understanding of the pathogenesis inflammatory diseases and their interrelationship. This session will discuss recent information on the association of endodontic disease pathogenesis as well as treatment outcomes with major chronic systemic diseases and their treatment.

Learning Objectives:  

• Identify the relationship between systemic diseases and the pathogenesis of endodontic diseases
• Discuss the relationship between systemic diseases and the treatment outcomes of endodontic diseases
• Present clinically relevant and evidence-based discussion points about this subject

CE Hours: 1.5

Description: Cemental tear is an important condition of relevance to Endodontics and Periodontics but is often overlooked. The diagnosis of cemental tear is often challenging, even for the experienced clinician. In practice, it is common for a cemental tear to be misdiagnosed as a vertical root fracture, an endodontic–periodontal lesion, or a failed periodontal or endodontic treatment. Dentists may treat these clinical cases as pure periodontal and periapical lesions due to misdiagnosis of cemental tears. In some cases, the presence of cemental tears was realized after the extraction of non-healing teeth. Some failed cases, for unknown reasons, are due to the presence of cemental tear. The limited attention received is most likely due to the unawareness amongst dental professionals and challenges in accurately diagnosing them, resulting in misdiagnosis and erroneous treatment. In this lecture, we will review 1) the etiology, 2) clinical, radiographic, and histological features, (3) classification, 4) recommended treatment strategies linked to the classification 5) treatment outcomes of cemental tear.

Learning Objectives:  

• Explain the different etiology of cemental tear.
• Elaborate clinical and radiographic presentation of cemental tear.
• Demonstrate different treatment strategies for cemental tears depending on the classification.