Periapical Diagnoses
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Includes Credits
CE Hours: 1.0
Description: Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are increasingly used in dental radiology to support endodontic diagnosis. However, their diagnostic reliability across different clinical categories remains unclear. This study compared 3 vision–language AI models (ChatGPT-5 Plus, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and Copilot Pro) with expert endodontists by assessing sensitivity, specificity, overall diagnostic agreement, and Youden’s Index across multiple endodontic conditions.
At the conclusion of this article, the reader will be able to:
- Compare the diagnostic performance of multimodal artificial intelligence systems with expert endodontist consensus in treatment selection, periapical lesion detection, and procedural complication recognition.
- Interpret the clinical significance of differences in sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic agreement across endodontic tasks.
- Evaluate the role and limitations of multimodal artificial intelligence as a clinical decision-support tool in endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
İpek Eraslan Akyüz, DDS
İpek Eraslan Akyüz graduated from Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Endodontics at Erciyes University Faculty of Dentistry. Her research interests include regenerative endodontics, root canal irrigation, endodontic biomaterials, and artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis.
Beyza Ezgi Kıvırcık, DDS
Beyza Ezgi Kıvırcık graduated from Hacettepe University Faculty of Dentistry. She is currently a research assistant in the Department of Endodontics at Erciyes University Faculty of Dentistry. Her research interests include artificial intelligence applications in endodontics, radiographic diagnosis, and working length determination.
Tuğrul Aslan, DDS, PhD
Tuğrul Aslan graduated from Ege University Faculty of Dentistry and completed his PhD in Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics at Erciyes University. He is currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Endodontics at Erciyes University Faculty of Dentistry. His research interests include endodontic biomaterials and treatment outcomes, biomechanical analysis of endodontically treated teeth, and emerging diagnostic technologies in endodontics.
- Compare the diagnostic performance of multimodal artificial intelligence systems with expert endodontist consensus in treatment selection, periapical lesion detection, and procedural complication recognition.
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Includes Credits
CE Hours: 1.5
Description: Dynamic navigation is one of the most exciting technological advances in endodontics, offering real-time guidance and improved accuracy for access preparation, canal location, and microsurgical procedures. Current studies highlight its potential to enhance outcomes and reduce operator stress. However, the cost and logistical demands may limit widespread adoption. This presentation will explore the science and applications of dynamic navigation, while also translating key principles that can be applied to everyday practice. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to integrate navigation-inspired concepts into their freehand endodontic surgery and nonsurgical techniques, improving precision and predictability without necessarily investing in a device.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the principles of dynamic navigation technology and compare its advantages over traditional freehand endodontic access techniques.
- Demonstrate how to plan and execute guided surgical access using dynamic navigation systems in everyday clinical practice.
- Evaluate case selection, recognize limitations, and integrate dynamic navigation concepts into daily endodontic surgical practice
Sameer D. Jain, DDS, MS, MSD
Dr. Sameer D. Jain is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and practices full-time at Woodland Hills Endodontics in Los Angeles, California. He also serves as a Lecturer in the Section of Endodontics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He previously served as Assistant Professor and Director of the Urgent Care Clinic in the Department of Endodontics at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).Dr. Jain's research focuses on endodontic biomaterials, minimally invasive endodontics, and translational technology. He established the country's first dynamic navigation research model advancing precision-guided minimally invasive endodontic procedures. His Journal of Endodontics publication, "3-Dimensional Accuracy of Dynamic Navigation Technology in Locating Calcified Canals," was among the earliest studies evaluating 3D dynamic navigation in endodontics. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.Dr. Jain is the inventor of HYBROSONIC, a patented heat-plus-sonic obturation and irrigation system designed to enhance cleaning efficiency and obturation outcomes in complex root canal systems. His work has received recognition including the AAE Resident Award, Jean-Marie Laurichesse Research Award, Pierre Fauchard Academy Award, MIT Technology Review TR35 Young Innovator recognition, and the ADA Henry M. Thornton Fellowship.He serves as a reviewer for leading journals including the Journal of Endodontics, International Endodontic Journal, and Clinical Oral Investigations. Dr. Jain is the nominated Chair of the AAE Practice Affairs Committee and a nominated Board Member of the San Fernando Valley Dental Society.Dr. Jain earned his Certificate and MSD in Endodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, a Master's degree in Dental Biomaterials from the University at Buffalo, completed a General Practice Residency, and received his dental degree in India.Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
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Includes Credits
CE Hours: 0.
Description: The pathological extension of endodontic disease into the maxillary sinuses is a common disease process yet is often unrecognized in clinical medical and dental practice, with its sequelae often overlooked entirely or misdiagnosed as rhinogenic sinusitis. This lecture explains and illustrates the etiology, symptoms, and associated clinical and radiographic findings of maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin (MSEO) with multiple case examples including life-threatening spreading infections. Emphasis is placed on the importance of CBCT imaging, magnification, and clinical expertise for rendering both non-surgical and surgical endodontic treatment when indicated in the maxillary posterior dentition. The goal is to help practitioners distinguish rhinosinusitis from MSEO, and improve the health of patients through accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and improved communication between endodontists and ENT specialists.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the pathogenic effects and progression of periradicular inflammation on the sinus tissues and the associated clinical and radiographic findings of maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin (MSEO).
- Recognize the distinguishing differences between rhinogenic sinusitis and odontogenic sinusitis and know when to render endodontic care and/or make an appropriate ENT referral.
- Recognize the indications for endodontic treatment and periapical surgery, and the unique anatomic challenges associated with maxillary posterior teeth proximate to the maxillary sinus.
Roderick W. Tataryn, DDS, MS
Dr. Rod Tataryn received his DDS degree in 1989 and Master of Science degree in Endodontics in 1994 from Loma Linda University and has been in private practice endodontics in Spokane, Washington since then. Dr. Tataryn has served on the Clinical Practice Committee for the American Association of Endodontists and serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Endodontics. He has authored numerous clinical and scientific articles on endodontics, including recent multidisciplinary consensus statements on the diagnosis and management of odontogenic sinusitis, and is a contributing author for five endodontic textbooks including the Sixth and Seventh Editions of "Ingle's Endodontics", and Torabinejad and Rubinstein's "The Art and Science of Contemporary Surgical Endodontics".
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
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Includes Credits
CE Hours: 1.0
Description: 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.
At the conclusion of this article, the reader will be able to:
- Describe the possible association between apical periodontitis and autoimmune diseases, based on the evidence presented in the systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Assess the methodological quality of the studies included in the article, identifying limitations, risks of bias and level of certainty of the evidence.
- Discuss the clinical implications of the article's findings for dental practice, especially in the management of patients with autoimmune diseases.
Tatiana A M do Nascimento, DDS
DDS, Specialist (Endodontics and Periodontics), Private Practice. MSc student at Health Applied Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus GV, Governador Valadares, Brazil.
Francielle S Verner, DDS, MSc, PhD
DDS, Specialist (Oral Radiology), MSc (Dental Clinic), PhD (Oral Radiology). Professor at Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus GV, Governador Valadares, Brazil.
Cleidiel A A Lemos, DDS, MSc, PhD
DDS, Specialist (Prosthodontics), MSc (Prosthodontics), PhD (Prosthodontics). Professor at Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus GV, Governador Valadares, Brazil.
Rafael B Junqueira, DDS, MSc, PhD
DDS, Specialist (Endodontics), MSc (Dental Clinic), PhD (Endodontics). Professor at Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus GV, Governador Valadares, Brazil.
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Includes Credits
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.
Lindsey R. Yap, D.MD, M.S.D
Dr. Lindsey Yap is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Endodontics at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Lehigh University and went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Oregon Health & Science University in 2017. Upon graduation, Dr. Yap worked in her hometown as a general dentist in Federal Way, WA and worked with Drs. Linda & Bryan Edgar and Mark Walker. Dr. Yap earned her Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) and Certificate in Endodontics from the University of Washington Graduate Endodontics Program in 2022. Dr. Yap is a board certified endodontist, full-time educator, and part-time associate in a private practice limited to endodontics.
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
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Includes Credits
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
Ashraf F. Fouad, D.D.S., M.S.
Dr. Fouad obtained his DDS, Certificate of Endodontics, and MS at the University of Iowa.
He served on the faculty and in various administrative roles at the University of Connecticut, the University of Maryland, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is currently Professor and Chair, Department of Endodontics, Director, Advanced Endodontics Program, and Interim Director, Health Information and Business Systems (HIBS) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Fouad has published over 120 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 62 editorials and invited manuscripts, 25 textbook chapters, and over 150 abstracts. He edited and co-authored several editions of the textbooks: Endodontic Microbiology and Endodontics: Principles and Practice. He served as Associate Editor of the Journal of Endodontics for 15 years and is currently Associate Editor of Dental Traumatology and the Endodontics Section of Frontiers of Dental Medicine. He is a Diplomate and Past President of the American Board of Endodontics. He received the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group of the IADR in 2017, the AAE President's Award in 2022, and the International Grossman's Award in 2023.
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
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Includes Credits
CE Hours: 1.5
Description: Apical periodontitis (AP) is a complex inflammatory disease with different clinical and radiographic presentations. The pathogenesis of AP involves an interplay of the innate and adaptive immune responses, that aim at preventing root canal microflora from causing spreading systemic infection and/or osteomyelitis. This session will discuss the major pathways involved in the progression and healing of AP. It will also address the way a myriad of systemic factors may affect this apical immune response.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the major immunological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of AP
- Discuss the major immunological mechanisms of healing and bone regeneration following endodontic treatment
- Discuss the potential role of systemic factors in mediating pathogenesis or healing of AP
Ashraf F. Fouad, D.D.S., M.S.
Dr. Fouad obtained his DDS, Certificate of Endodontics, and MS at the University of Iowa.
He served on the faculty and in various administrative roles at the University of Connecticut, the University of Maryland, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is currently Professor and Chair, Department of Endodontics, Director, Advanced Endodontics Program, and Interim Director, Health Information and Business Systems (HIBS) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Fouad has published over 120 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 62 editorials and invited manuscripts, 25 textbook chapters, and over 150 abstracts. He edited and co-authored several editions of the textbooks: Endodontic Microbiology and Endodontics: Principles and Practice. He served as Associate Editor of the Journal of Endodontics for 15 years and is currently Associate Editor of Dental Traumatology and the Endodontics Section of Frontiers of Dental Medicine. He is a Diplomate and Past President of the American Board of Endodontics. He received the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group of the IADR in 2017, the AAE President's Award in 2022, and the International Grossman's Award in 2023.
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Elisabetta Cotti, D.D.S., M.S.
Elisabetta Cotti, DDS, MS, received her DDS from the University of Cagliari – Italy and the specialty and MS in Endodontics from the University of Loma Linda- California.
She is Full Professor of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, and the Chairman of the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at the School of Dentistry, University of Cagliari- Italy. She is currently the Director of the Post Graduate programme (Master) in Clinical Endodontics at the University of Cagliari, lecturer in the Department of Endodontics at Loma Linda University, USA. She is the president of IFEA (International federation of Endodontic Associations). She practices limited to Endodontics, and is author of several articles and chapters in the field of Endodontics with has a specific interest in apical periodontitis, imaging and trauma.
Disclosure(s): Dentsply Sirona Endodontic SBU: Honorarium (Ongoing), serve as consultant in products development and as lectures (Ongoing)
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Includes Credits
CE Hours: 0.75
Description: Radiographic imaging requires recognition of typical anatomic structures and distinction from a vast array of pathologic processes. Accurate diagnostic assessment often entails recognizing normal and abnormal radiographic features coincident with synthesizing clinical and available historical information. When clinicians are confronted with interpreting various radiographic curiosities and unusual disease presentations, pulp vitality testing is crucial to determine correct pulp and periapical diagnoses, followed by appropriate treatment. Several examples of diagnostic challenges and radiographic oddities mimicking periradicular lesions of endodontic origin, culled from the records of the presenter’s 35 years of practice, will be exhibited and discussed. Several cases displaying anomalous oral findings and referred for endodontic treatment were diagnosed as malignant conditions and subsequently treated successfully, thanks to accurate and timely endodontic diagnoses.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate radiographic oddities with clinical skepticism.
- Perform thorough and accurate pulp vitality tests to treatment plan oral diseases appropriately.
- List and discuss nonodontogenic conditions mimicking radiographic lesions of endodontic origin.
Michael J. Ribera, D.MD, M.S.
Dr. Ribera is a 1984 graduate of Boston College and a 1989 graduate of Harvard School of Dental Medicine. In 1990, he completed a general practice residency at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and in 1992 received his Certificate in Endodontics and Master of Science Degree from Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago.
Dr. Ribera is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, a member of the Endodontic College of Diplomates, a specialist member of the American Association of Endodontists, and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists. He is the 2006 recipient of the District of Columbia Dental Society’s David Mast Memorial Award for excellence in continuing education. Dr. Ribera is in full-time practice and maintains three offices in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area.Speaker Disclosure
I declare that I have no proprietary, financial, or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service, course, and/or company, or in any firm beneficially associated therewith, that will be discussed or considered during the proposed presentation.
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Includes Credits
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.
Christopher D. Matesi, DDS
Christopher Matesi is an oral and maxillofacial radiologist based out of Napa, California. He is originally from Chicago, IL and graduated from University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry in 2012. He practiced general dentistry in a private practice setting for 7 years doing many different types of procedures including endodontics, implant placement and prosthodontics. His found his love was really in the diagnostics, treatment planning and technological aspects of dentistry. Radiology fit all those things perfectly and in 2019 and he began his oral and maxillofacial radiology residency at University of Florida. There he was selected as chief resident during his PGY2 year and completed his OMR residency training in December of 2021. Out of residency he started his practice, Dental Imaging Diagnostics, with the goal of providing customized radiology reporting that highlights areas of importance that are clinically useful for the practicioner. He also provides surgical guides for a number of different surgical procedures including implant placement and endodontic guidance. He tries to incorporate the latest technical advances in his practice in order to make the clinician's already difficult job just a little easier and more predictable. Outside of his practice, he likes to spend time with his lovely wife and son, golf and go to wine tastings now that he just moved to wine country.
Disclosure(s): Dental Imaging Diagnostics: Ownership Interest (stocks, stock options, patent or other intellectual property or other ownership interest excluding diversified mutual funds) (Ongoing)
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Includes Credits
CE Hours: 1.0
Description: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the pooled estimate and relative risk of periapical lesions in natural teeth adjacent to implants.
At the conclusion of this article, the reader will be able to:
- Evaluate the impact of dental implants on the periapical health of adjacent natural teeth.
- Describe the relative risk of developing periapical radiolucent lesions (PARLs) in natural teeth adjacent to implants compared to those adjacent to non-implants.
- Discuss potential mechanisms that may contribute to the development of PARLs in adjacent natural teeth.
Mike Sabeti, DDS, MA
Dr. Sabeti's impressive dental career began with a DDS degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1993. He then pursued further specialization, completing programs in Periodontics at Tufts School of Dental Medicine and Endodontics at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC .
Following his postgraduate training, Dr. Sabeti served at the University of Texas Dental Branch from 1995 to 2000 in postgraduate periodontology. He has since distinguished himself through leadership roles at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Currently, he directs their postgraduate endodontics program and chairs the PECC. He also holds the prestigious position of president for the Northern California Academy of Endodontics. He is also a site visitor for The Commission on Dental Accreditation and a delegate with the American Dental Education Association.
Dr. Sabeti is a board-certified endodontist renowned for his contributions to the field. He has actively shared his expertise through numerous invited presentations, publications in textbooks and chapters, and his dedication has been recognized with several awards. These include the Certificate in Recognition of Outstanding Services at USC, a Certificate of Appreciation from the University of Texas, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from UCSF's Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators.Speaker Disclosure
I declare that I have no proprietary, financial, or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service, course, and/or company, or in any firm beneficially associated therewith, that will be discussed or considered during the proposed presentation.
Heather Kim, DDS
Heather was born in Seoul, South Korea and raised in New Jersey. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. Afterwards, she attended dental school at Columbia University and completed a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. She is excited to continue her dental training at UCSF.