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: 1.25

Description: 

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe how AI algorithms analyze 2D and 3D endodontic radiographs to assist in diagnosis.
• Identify clinical applications of AI in endodontic imaging, including lesion detection, root morphology assessment, and canal classification.
• Recognize the benefits and limitations of integrating AI into endodontic radiographic interpretation.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: Laser activated irrigation continues to generate excitement in endodontics, but its clinical value requires careful, unbiased evaluation. This session will present three years of independent studies investigating both the advantages and limitations of laser use in root canal treatment. Topics will include the impact of early application during crown down instrumentation, effectiveness in smear layer removal, ability to enhance irrigant penetration into complex anatomies such as isthmuses and lateral canals, its influence on obturation, the potential for irrigant extrusion, and its role in the removal of residual gutta percha during retreatment. By presenting data from a series of independent projects, this session will move beyond speculation and provide participants with a balanced understanding of what laser irrigation can and cannot deliver. Attendees will come away with practical insights to guide evidence based decision making about integrating lasers into endodontic practice, ensuring their use is grounded in science rather than marketing.

Learning Objectives:  

• Identify the advantages of laser activated irrigation in enhancing canal cleaning, including smear layer removal, irrigant penetration into complex anatomies, residual gutta percha removal, and obturation quality.
• Recognize the limitations of laser activated irrigation in achieving these same outcomes and compare its performance with other activation methods.
• Evaluate the risks associated with laser irrigation, including the potential for irrigant extrusion, and integrate this knowledge into evidence based clinical decision making.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: This study aimed to diagnose vertical root fracture (VRF) of endodontically treated teeth using clinical features and bone loss information from cone beam computed tomography with machine learning models.

At the conclusion of this article, the reader will be able to: 

• Explain why machine learning models for the diagnosis of VRF using age, sex, tooth type,the quality of root canal filling and bone loss position, height, width, and depth are valuable for clinical decision making after root canal treatment
• Describe how to diagnose vertical root fracture (VRF) of endodontically treated teeth using clinical features and bone loss information from cone beam computed tomography
• Explain the relationship between VRF and machine learning models

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: 1.5

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.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: The presentation will focus on endodontic surgery and its peculiarities. It will begin with a brief introduction and a simple step-by-step clinical case. Then various clinical cases will be shown in which the endodontic lesion will be in contact with or within the sinus. This will be followed by a brief description of how to manage clinical cases near the alveolar nerve, and finally the periodontal part and its importance in endodontic surgery will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:  

• Manage modern endodontic surgery.
• Manage endodontic survey involving maxillary sinus.
• Manage periodontal approach to modern endodontic surgery.

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: Maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin refers specifically to sinusitis secondary to periradicular disease of endodontic origin. This pathology requires an accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate endodontic treatment to remove the source of endodontic pathogens associated with the periapical disease and secondary sinus infection. The use of CBCT imaging significantly improve the ability to detect mucosal soft tissue changes, sinus membrane thickening and odontogenic sources for sinusitis, such as untreated canals. In this presentation, several cases of maxillary sinusitis of endodontic and dental origin, with different manifestations, diagnostic challenges, treatment and outcomes will be described. All of them with inflammatory sinus changes represented by mucositis, osteoperiostitis or partial obstruction; that showed sinus signs and symptoms which disappeared after dental management. In most of them, the sinus condition had an endodontic origin, however, in one case, sinusitis was caused by trauma to the face. All cases had a satisfactory response of the periradicular tissues and maxillary sinus to treatment that consisted of root canal therapy or trauma management.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe classification of maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin.
• Diagnose through CBCT maxillary sinusitis associated with endodontic infection.
• Evaluate different treatment alternatives for teeth causing maxillary sinusitis.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: This lecture will discuss novel rolls CBCT plays in endodontics beyond basic diagnosis.  Topics include technological advances, dynamic navigation, augmented reality, and guided procedures.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe the advantages of CBCT use in endodontics.
• Talk about novel uses of CBCT in the endodontic practice.
• Describe where the future is headed for CBCT use in the endodontic practice. 

CE Hours: 2.25

Description: Patient injury as an outcome of endodontic treatment can have devastating consequences for both the patient and the endodontist. Mishaps that occur during the therapeutic stages of endodontic therapy can result in significant irreversible damage to teeth and the jaws as well as neurologic damage within the head and neck, with an unpredictable course and an uncertain prognosis. This presentation will discuss the evidence and best practices regarding clinician thinking and actions resulting in patient injury and impairment as a result of endodontic care. The presentation will review the data for prognosis and how to determine treatment and intervention strategies in local anesthetic injury; chemical harm from overfill; as well as irrigation accidents and the resulting neural trauma caused by surgical error.

Learning Objectives: 

• Recognize the advantages of imaging technologies in identifying key neurovascular structures and their proximity to the root canal systems of teeth.
• Identify safe protocols for avoiding extra-radicular overfill of the root canal space when there is close proximity to neurovascular anatomy.
• Become familiar with prognosis and best practice for injuries and overfill mishaps that result in neurologic damage.