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: 0.75

Description: Numerous studies indicate the clinical success of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs), as evidenced by symptom resolution, apical closure, canal wall thickening and lengthening, and restored reaction to vitality tests. However, the true nature of the regenerated human tissue after REPs remains unclear. Animal studies, employing various experimental protocols, have reported the greatest prevalence formation of cementum-like tissue, followed by bone-like tissue, and, to a lesser extent, dentin-like tissue. The question arises: does this conclusion also hold true for patients undergoing REPs? Ethical considerations preclude the conduct of cohort studies or randomized controlled trials in humans to evaluate histological outcomes of REPs. Nonetheless, a limited subset of investigations has delved into the histological outcomes after REPs, offering insights into the regenerative processes involved.Our case-report-based systematic review, encompassing studies from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, yielded 17 articles reporting on 22 teeth (mature and immature) from a total of 389 studies published between 2001 and 2023. The findings indicate a predominant presence of fibrous connective tissue, along with cementum-like, and bone-like tissues, whereas true dentinal regeneration is notably rare. Histological outcomes may vary based on factors such as the preoperative condition of the tooth, disinfection protocols, and procedural techniques. Furthermore, through a series of REPs cases from the presenter, we we’re going to discuss potential predictive factors influencing outcomes, including the status of the apical papilla, residual pulp tissue, patient age, and others.

Learning Objectives:  

• List the histological findings after REPs in animal study and human case reports.
• Discuss potential predictive factors influencing REPs outcomes.
• Perform REPs more confidently on selected cases.

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: Root perforations represent one of the most challenging complications during endodontic procedures. These are defined as a communication between the root canal space and the periodontal tissues, and can result as a pathological phenomenon (perforating root resorptions) or a iatrogenic event. To date, factors such as time, size, location, radiolucency adjacent to the perforation, gender or the repair material have been reported as significant prognostic factors. Thus, the primary aim of this this presentation is to perform an exhaustive literature review regarding root perforations outcome. The secondary objective is to describe the clinical management of root perforations and to present the results of a recent investigation carried out in a private practice during 2014-2022 with a minimum follow-up 2 years. A sample size of 82 teeth was retrospectively assessed and the outcome (healed, healing in process, failure) was statistically related to all the possible outcome predictors.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe a well-established protocol to manage root perforations according to the different scenarios (time, size, location of the perforation).
• Review the present literature regarding root perforations treatment outcome.
• Evaluate the success of root perforations repair in combination with the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative prognostic factors of current investigation.

CE Hours: 1.5

Description: In modern dentistry, more natural teeth are retained in service for an increased number of years in which they are subjected to a wide array of chemical, mechanical and microbiological stimuli including the iatrogenic impact. Therefore, the presentation of different resorptive defects is not a rarity in dental offices. This clinically oriented presentation will discuss various aspects of root resorption categories from pathophysiology to diagnosis and treatment planning.  The aim is to guide the clinician through non-surgical, surgical, and monitoring management protocols supported by the best available evidence, and enhance the clinical practice to provide favorable patient-centered outcomes.

Learning Objectives:  

• Discuss pathophysiology of root resorption and clinical relevance.
• Evaluate modes of intervention in cases of root resorption applying most recent technology.
• Describe patient centered outcomes for management of root resorption.

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: As endodontists, our team is our greatest resource. To achieve our goals and have a fun and productive practice environment, we must have a strong team to support us. This presentation will discuss how to design your ideal team and attract and retain top talent. We will explore what elements of a work environment are most important to modern employees and how your practice can meet these benchmarks. This presentation will outline the importance of defining company core values to create a positive company culture, the power of continued team education, and how you can be the leader that they need you to be.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe what modern employees seek in a work environment.
• Discuss what core values are and how they can positively impact their company culture.
• Discuss leadership strategies that will enhance your practice environment.

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: Endodontists aim for excellence in root canal treatment, including filling and sealing the root canal system. However, a well-fitted definitive restoration is equally critical for long-term success, ideally without leakage occurring for years. Often endodontists may only place a shallow composite layer into the canal orifices and the pulp floor, with the remainder of the restoration carried out by a general dentist. Would the long-term success increase if endodontists placed the entire adhesive build-up immediately after completion of the endodontic treatment? Studies have shown that posts are only needed if a build-up lacks enough retention. Also, many novel build-up materials, including light-curing, self-curing, or dual-curing composites, are continuously becoming available. The lecture will give a detailed protocol on how to build-up of a tooth with light-curing glass-fiber-flow after endodontic treatment supported by clinical cases. The workflow and the composite selection will critically discussed referring to the literature.

Learning Objectives:  

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of strictly adhesive buildups versus incorporating a post.
• Review the postendo buildup material and the limitations of light curing composite after endodontic treatment.
• Execute a step by step workflow of postendodontic adhesive buildup with light curing composite.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: Treating significant bone loss around teeth (apico-marginal defects) is a challenge for dentists, particularly endodontists who focus on the root canal and surrounding tissues. Deep pockets often indicate a connection between this bone loss and complete exposure of the tooth's root surface. This significantly impacts treatment planning and management. Studies have investigated methods to stimulate bone regrowth and improve patient well-being. A recent approach utilizing platelet concentrates demonstrated encouraging results in reducing pocket depth and promoting some bone formation. However, it fell short in effectively regenerating the bone on the side facing the cheek (facial or buccal bone). This presentation will explore a novel technique using collagen crosslinking. This method aims to improve healing and quality of life for patients with severe bone loss around their teeth. We'll compare the results of this new approach with traditional methods, analyzing both 2D and 3D healing outcomes to assess its effectiveness in bone regeneration and overall treatment success.

Learning Objectives:  

• Review the mechanisms by which root canal infections impact periodontal tissues and identifying strategies for effective healing.
• Describe guided tissue regeneration and autologous products used alongside root canal surgery. These techniques aim to prevent the apical migration of junctional epithelium.
• Assess the effectiveness of regenerative techniques in promoting healing of bone loss around teeth (apicomarginal defects) caused by root canal problems.

CE Hours: 1.25

Description: Recent technological advances and clinical demands have led to an overwhelming fabrication and production of various types of rotary instruments. Most rotary file designs follow general principles that determine their characteristics, such as flexibility, strength, efficiency, and fracture resistance. This presentation will explore these general principles from a historical angle and introduce a practical and easy-to-follow classification for rotary files based on their characteristics. This lecture will also provide a few physical features of rotary files that clinicians can swiftly identify to determine these characteristics, especially the one involving fracture resistance.

Learning Objectives:  

• List different types of rotary files in terms of design and metallurgy.
• Provide a few examples of how file design can affect clinical performance.
• Demonstrate how file selection can assist in the prevention of separation during treatment.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: Managing root resorption can be challenging as it involves the management of pulpal, periapical, and periodontal tissues. The clinician must consider long-term vs. short-term outcomes, function, and esthetics. Maintaining a balance between conservative and aggressive approaches renders the decision-making process complicated. In this presentation, biological and clinical aspects of different types of resorption will be explored, with a focus on External Invasive Resorption. Various approaches to the treatment of root resorption will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:  

• Identify common types of root resorption.
• List clinical and pathobiological features for each type of resorption.
• Describe various treatment modalities for External Invasive Resorption.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: Persistent worry and negative thinking impair our cognitive function, limiting problem- solving abilities and creative thinking which directly affect clinical  outcomes and personal well-being. How can we counteract these crippling effects to foster a resilient, thriving professional environment? The line between personal mindset and professional identity is increasingly intertwined. This course ventures deep into the heart of this connection, exploring how mindset shapes our professional journeys and the importance of maintaining optimism and gratitude through unexpected challenges. Participants will discover the science behind optimism and its crucial role in strategic success. We will differentiate between toxic positivity and authentic happiness and engage with Dr. Mendelson's TEAM Framework to understand the profound impact of thoughts on outcomes. With a blend of cutting-edge research and actionable insights, participants will learn to leverage their inner dialogue to craft a professional identity that resonates with success, innovation, and fulfillment. From dissecting the complexities of the mind-body connection to applying methodologies within organizational structures, learn a scientific and holistic approach to personal and professional development. This course is a beacon for those seeking to elevate their cognitive capabilities while fostering a culture of gratitude and resilience.

Learning Objectives:  

• Apply research based methods to enhance cognitive and visual functions for improved decision making and productivity
• Differentiate between toxic positivity and evidence based happiness strategies to foster authentic practice wellbeing.
• Analyze the impact of mindset on professional identity and clinical success utilizing the TEAM Framework.