
NS-5 Patency and Long Term Outcome: Is It Needed?
CE Hours: 0
Description: The patency concept was established in clinical endodontics in order to avoid debris buildup and canal blockage during root canal instrumentation and to dislodge bacterial biofilms in the foraminal region. Its application is still debatable, though. The definition of the patency file and the background to its use will be covered during this point-counterpoint session. Future trends as well as its benefits and drawbacks will be discussed.
Questions proposed to each presenter will be the basis of this point-counterpoint discussion.
Learning Objectives:
- Define the concept of patency file
- List the benefits and limitations of current instrumentation techniques in removing vital or necrotic tissue from the apical ramifications and other anatomical irregularities
- Discuss the impact of apical patency on the wound healing process
Key:






Domenico Ricucci, M.D., D.D.S.
Dr. Domenico Ricucci received his degree in General Medicine from “La Sapienza” University of Rome in 1982, and his DDS from the same University in 1985. Since then on he has maintained private dental practices limited to endodontics. He achieved the National Scientific qualification as full professor in the Italian higher education system in 2018. Dr. Ricucci’s primary research interest relates to pulpal and periapical tissue reactions to caries and treatment procedures, biofilms in endodontic infections, etiology of RTC treatment failure, pulp regeneration/revascularization. Since 1998 he has run his own histology laboratory and has developed considerable skills in hard tissue preparations for light microscopy.
Dr Ricucci has published 113 papers and has lectured both nationally and internationally. He has authored the Textbook and Atlas “Patologia e Clinica Endodontica”, the textbook and atlas “Endodontology. An integrated biological and clinical view”, also translated into Chinese, Russian, Japanese. He has also authored or co-authored 22 book chapters. He is recipient of the Louis I. Grossman International Award by the French Society of Endodontics in 2017, and the Louis I. Grossman Award by the American Association of Endodontists in 2023.
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

L. Stephen Buchanan, D.D.S.
Dr. Buchanan graduated first in his dental school class from The University of the Pacific in 1978. He received his specialty certificate from the Temple University Post-Graduate Endodontic Program in 1980. In 1986, he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.
Dr. Buchanan has practiced endodontics since 1980. In 1989, Dr. Buchanan was the first to reconstruct micro-CT scans of endodontic anatomy. He invented the Continuous Wave of Obturation technique in 1990, the first variably-tapered shaping technique in 1991, the first rotary negotiation technique in 2016, and the closed system negative pressure irrigation and filling technique in 2019. His instrument and device designs include: System-B; EOU; Elements Free obturation heat sources; Buchanan Heat and Hand Pluggers; GT, GTX, and Traverse Rotary Negotiation Files; Buc ultrasonic tips; LAX guided access burs; TrueTooth and TrueJaw 3D-printed procedural training replicas; and most recently, the PulpSucker multi-canular negative pressure irrigation device.
For over 30 years, Dr. Buchanan has shared his clinical competency by teaching procedural endodontics at worldwide events and at DEL, a teaching institute in Santa Barbara, California founded by Dr. Buchanan.
Disclosure(s): DEL: Employment (Ongoing), Honorarium (Ongoing), Ownership Interest (stocks, stock options, patent or other intellectual property or other ownership interest excluding diversified mutual funds) (Ongoing), Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing)

Bettina R. Basrani D.D.S., M.S.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Bettina Basrani is Associate Professor and Director of the M.Sc. Endodontics Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Canada. With over 30 peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, textbooks and abstracts to her credit, she has been a constant contributor to endodontic science and clinical knowledge. Dr. Basrani’s research focuses on intracanal medication and root canal irrigation, including agents and delivery methods.
Speaker Disclosure
In accordance with this policy, I declare that I have NO past or present proprietary or relevant financial relationship or receive gifts in kind (including soft intangible remuneration), consulting position or affiliation, or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service, course and/or company, or in any firm beneficially associated therewith.