Speaker: Gabriela Lagreca, DMD|We'll examine key survival rates and success metrics for both options, delving into the fundamental distinctions between teeth and implants. The presentation identifies crucial factors that influence tooth preservation and evaluates the documented evidence regarding implant performance over time compared to natural dentition. Drawing from current research, we'll analyze which restoration approaches and treatment strategies demonstrate optimal long-term outcomes. This evidence-based discussion aims to provide clarity on the durability and effectiveness of both treatment pathways, helping inform clinical decision-making for lasting dental solutions.

Speaker: Nelson L. Rhodus, DMD, MPH, FICD, FRCSEd|Systemic health is related to oral health and vice versa. Many systemic diseases are manifested in the oral cavity and many oral conditions and therapies have a profound impact upon systemic diseases. In addition, some of the therapies used to these conditions have significant effects on the oral cavity. For those reasons, it is important for dentists ( and dental health care professionals) to know about their patients' medical conditions before treating them and to understand which diseases manifest themselves in the oral cavity. This course will present a thorough overview of the principles of the management of medical conditions in dental patients, Furthermore, the participant will be updated upon current understanding and treatment of oral conditions such as oral cancer, xerostomia, lichen planus and candidiasis among others.

Authors: Tatiana A. M. do Nascimento, MSc, Francielle S. Verner, PhD, Cleidiel Aparecido Araujo Lemos, PhD, and Rafael B. Junqueira, PhD|The aim of this study was to perform a qualitative and quantitative synthesis of the available studies evaluating the possible relationship between apical periodontitis and autoimmune diseases.

Authors: Yuxuan Liu, DDS, Yi Luo, DDS, Yaxu Feng, DDS, Xianhua Gao, DDS, Wei Fan, DDS, PhD, and Bing Fan, DDS, MSc, PhD|This study aimed to assess the effect of cavity designs on instrumentation, obturation and fracture resistance for mandibular first premolars with Vertucci V canal.

Speaker: Bettina Basrani, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.Sc.; Ove A. Peters, D.MD, M.S., PhD|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.

Speaker: Xiaofei Zhu, DDS, CAGS|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.

Speaker: Xavier-Fructuos Ruiz Sanchez, D.D.S, M.Sc |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.

Speaker: Omar E. Abusteit, BDS, MSD| 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.

Speaker: Monica Estes, D.M.D, M.S.D.|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.

Speaker: Kathrin Riess, Dr. M.Sc.| 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 discused referring to the literature.