PB-1 Conundrum of Pulpal Diagnosis Part 1
CE Hours: 1.0
Description: Deciding when and how to clinically intervene in a tooth with deep caries and a vital pulp poses a significant challenge for clinicians. The existing endodontic diagnostic system, which attempts to differentiate between reversible and irreversible inflammation in the pulp tissues, heavily relies on a patient's pain history and chairside clinical tests. However, there is limited evidence supporting the ability of such subjective tests and pain history to accurately identify true disease in the dental pulp. This complexity is compounded by the recent promotion of vital pulp therapy as an alternative to root canal treatment. Inaccurate pulpal diagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments which ultimately may not address the patient’s chief complaint and contribute to premature tooth loss.This session brings together a panel of global experts to explore the current state of accurately diagnosing pulpal disease, highlighting limitations of existing measures and classifications, as well as discussing the potential role of objective tools such as biomarkers in precise diagnosis and guiding appropriate treatment interventions for pulpitis. Furthermore, our session will explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing endodontic diagnosis. We will investigate the feasibility of AI improving the accuracy and efficiency of endodontic diagnosis, thereby expanding the possibilities in patient care and treatment. planning. There will also be opportunity for audience engagement and questions/discussion.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the evidence relating to the subjective measures to diagnose a diseased vital pulp, including pain and classic endodontic tests, like the cold and electric sensibility test.
- Identify how clinical information obtained intraoperatively could influence the pre-operative pulpal diagnosis as well as the influence of diagnosis on outcome of vital pulp therapy.
- Explain both the importance of developing point-of care objective tools for measuring pulpitis, and the obstacles to their development.
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Jennifer L. Gibbs, MS, DDS, PhD
Dr. Jennifer L. Gibbs received her dental degree (DDS) and her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. She completed her Endodontic training, post-doctoral research, and a Master’s degree (MAS) in Clinical Research from the University of California San Francisco.
Dr. Gibbs is currently an Assistant Professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, serving as the Division Head of Endodontics, and the program director of the Advanced Graduate Program in Endodontics. She is also a practicing endodontist at HSDM and a diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.
Dr. Gibbs heads a translational research group focused on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of orofacial pain with a focus on the nociceptors of the dental pulp. She is a past Educator Fellow of the American Association of Endodontics Foundation and her research has been funded by the NIH/NIDCR, the AAE foundation, and other foundations.
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.
Hal F. Duncan, B.D.S., M.C.D, PhD
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.
Kenneth Hargreaves, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Ken Hargreaves received his DDS from Georgetown University, his PhD in physiology from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD, and his certificate in Endodontics from the University of Minnesota. Ken spent 5 years at the Pain Clinic of the NIDCR and 7 years as an associate professor of Endodontics and Pharmacology at the University of Minnesota. He joined the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 1997, as professor and Chair of the Department of Endodontics and is cross-appointed as professor in the Departments of Pharmacology, Physiology and Surgery in the Medical School. He maintains a private practice limited to endodontics and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontists. Ken has received an NIH MERIT Award for research, two IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards, the ADA Gold Medal for Research and the Louis I. Grossman Award from the AAE. He has published more than 190 articles and, with Harold Goodis and Frank Tay, co-edited the 2nd edition Seltzer and Bender’s Dental Pulp, and, with Lou Berman, co-edited the 11th edition of Cohen’s Pathways of the Pulp. Ken also serves as editor of the Journal of Endodontics.
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
Claudia Brizuela, D.D.S., D.MD, M.S., Ph.D
My life weaves a tapestry of love, growth, and gratitude, anchored by my roles as a devoted wife and mother of three. These cherished roles have shaped my journey in dentistry, where my unwavering commitment to excellence resonates deeply with those I serve.
I specialized in Endodontics at the University of Concepcion in Chile, refining my skills in delivering compassionate dental care. A master's degree in education from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile enriched my commitment to nurturing young minds.
Earning a Doctorate Cum Laude in Health Sciences from the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya in Spain reflected both my academic worth and personal growth. Embracing the title of Full Professor, I proudly review esteemed journals such as JOE and IEJ, standing as a guardian of academic excellence.
Beyond the classroom, sharing knowledge at international conferences and publishing in respected journals brings me immense joy. Prestigious research awards, including FONIS and FONDECYT, fuel my fervor for pioneering innovation.
For over two decades, I've extended compassionate endodontic care, offering comfort and healing. At the Universidad de los Andes, I lead research in artificial intelligence, dental regeneration, and biomarkers. As Director of Research and Doctoral studies, I'm profoundly grateful for a life illuminated by education, family, and purpose, enriching my journey with profound fulfillment.
In the words of Chilean singer-songwriter Violeta Parra, "Thanks to life that has given me so much."
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
