Valerie M. Kanter, D.M.D., M.S. This program will simplify laser physics to allow the clinician to better distinguish which dental lasers are safe and effective within the field of endodontics.

Carlos Eduardo da Silveira. Bueno, D.D.S., M.Sc., PhD Marcelo Santos. Coelho, D.D.S., M.Sc. The single-file reciprocating systems are considered an important advancement in modern endodontics, owing to a predictable shaping ability and procedure simplification. Nevertheless, some aspects such as cleaning effectiveness, debris extrusion, micro-cracks development, glide path creation, instrument separation, effectiveness, and enhancement of irrigation must be evaluated in order to find relevant scientific evidence in literature. The aim of this lecture is to discuss the aforementioned aspects with respect to large clinical experience associated with current literature evaluation. Presenters will also describe recent techniques for treatment along with emphasizing the necessity of new procedures for irrigation considering the changing paradigm. In addition, they will aim to establish the usage of reciprocating in retreatment, thereby rendering this technique more effective, safer and with less need for solvent than the existing techniques.

Cesar De Gregorio, D.D.S, M.S.D. The outcome of a nonsurgical endodontic therapy has barely changed over the last five decades, particularly in nonvital cases. This is a major concern when we consider all the technological improvements such as microscopes and NiTi files. New outcome studies have attributed this to our limitation to achieve effective and predictable disinfection of the root canal systems. In order to overcome this critical limitation, new irrigants, techniques and devices have been incorporated to endodontic therapy in the last decade. Our main challenge remains the apical third and its anatomical complexities. Understanding the physical limitations and fluid dynamics of a closed-canal system, with complex anatomy, is extremely important if we want to thoroughly disinfect the entire system and achieve our ultimate goal, healing of apical periodontitis. This presentation will discuss and illustrate all current techniques, activation systems and solutions to enhance disinfection and subsequently improve endodontic outcome.

Speakers: Arnaldo Castellucci, D.D.S., M.D., Ghassan Yared, D.D.S., M.Sc. The goal of endodontic therapy is to clean and shape the root canal system and to obliterate all existing communications between the root canal and the attachment apparatus. We know that these communications work as “portals of exit” for toxins in the chronic phase and bacteria in the acute phase.

Speaker: David E.. Jaramillo, D.D.S. Lately, many in vitro studies on root canal irrigation have been focused on various ways to eliminate biofilms. There have been different biofilm models developed for these types of studies, from mono to multi-species biofilms.

Speaker: Fabricio Teixeira, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D. Management of the apical third is a critical factor for successful treatment outcomes. This region is frequently associated with failures and procedural errors becoming such an essential component of the root canal system.

Speaker: David Jaramillo, D.D.S. Lately, too many in vitro studies on root canal irrigation have been focused on various ways to eliminate biofilms. There have been different biofilm models developed for these types of studies, from mono to multi-species biofilms.

SP-35: In the event of endodontic instrument separation, the endodontist has to be prepared to manage this difficult clinical situation. The clinical decision should be based on a thorough knowledge of the success rates for each treatment option and the risks associated with them. SP-36: Speaker: André G. Machado, D.D.S. Removing fractured files below the curvature of root canals can be extremely inaccessible, causing great wear and even deviation while trying to remove it, especially in highly curved roots. In this context, a new proposal was designed, based on the removal of fractured instruments by surgical access without removing the apical third or promoting excessive wear. SP-37: Speaker: Asgeir Sigurdsson, D.D.S., M.S. Separated instruments in root canals have the potential to compromise endodontic treatment as they prevent access to the apex and thereby impede thorough cleaning, shaping and sealing of the root canal system. Removing or bypassing a separated instrument in the apical third, especially curved roots, is almost impossible.

Ove A.. Peters, D.M.D., M.S., Ph.D. The standard of practice in endodontics has changed over time, but still rests on the foundations of biology and engineering science. Appropriate clinical strategies for root canal treatment must use contemporary evidence to support selection of materials and devices. However, it is perhaps timely to prevent overengineering and refrain from biologic plausibility and remember relevant foundational principles. This session focuses on essential steps in nonsurgical root canal treatment, from access cavity to restoration, and includes follow-up care. It is recognized that dentin preservation during access and canal shaping retains structural strength; however, antimicrobial efficacy cannot be compromised. Current evidence suggests that root canal filling may have the most impact when performed with procedural errors, such as overfills. Providing a well-adapted and structurally sound restoration, however, is associated with favorable clinical outcomes, as evidenced by clinical and radiographic assessments.

SP-13: Speaker: Yangpei Cao, M.S., D.D.S. Literature indicates that conventional protocols of root canal instrumentation and chemomechanical debridement cannot completely eradicate the pathogens, which may cause treatment failures. The lecture will provide a comparative study of disinfection of the root canal system using the conventional protocols and the multisonic approaches, and will provide insight on the use of this novel technology for pulp regeneration therapies. SP-15: Speaker: Louis M. Lin, B.D.S., D.MD, PhD. Recently, regenerative endodontic procedures (REP) have been employed to treat mature teeth with necrotic pulps. The concept of using REP to treat mature teeth with necrotic pulps is based on the restoration of tissue vitality in the canal and resolution of apical periodontitis.