SP-17 Next-gen Endodontics: The 3D Evolution from Static Guided to Dynamic Navigation for Calcified Canals
CE Hours: 0.75
Description: Navigating calcified root canals poses a significant challenge in endodontics, increasing the risk of procedural errors, such as perforations and excessive tooth structure loss. This lecture will explore the evolution of technology from static guided endodontic techniques to the precision of dynamic navigation systems. Static guides, which are fabricated from a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, offer high accuracy for root canal localization by providing a physical template for drilling. However, we will also discuss the limitations of static guides, such as their inability to be adjusted intraoperatively and the need for a separate physical template. This session will then introduce Dynamic Navigation Systems (DNS) as the next step in this technological progression. Unlike static guides, DNS provides real-time 3D guidance, enabling on-the-fly adjustments during the procedure and eliminating the need for a physical template. We will compare the advantages of both approaches, examining how dynamic navigation can significantly reduce substance loss compared to freehand methods and improve efficiency for less-experienced clinicians. This lecture will provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths of each method and how its application can lead to more predictable and successful outcomes in managing complex calcified anatomies.
Learning Objectives:
- Compare and contrast the clinical applications, accuracy, and efficiency of static guided endodontics versus dynamic navigation systems for locating calcified canals.
- Evaluate the trade-offs between static and dynamic guidance, including procedural time, the ability to make real-time adjustments, and the reliance on operator skill.
- Analyze how the progressive adoption of these digital technologies, from static guides to dynamic navigation, reduces tooth substance loss and enhances precision during endodontic access preparation.
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LockedSunee Limmeechokchai, DDS MSD
Sunee Limmeechokchai is an associate professor in the dental specialist position at Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, California. She has been an endodontist for 20 years and an implantologist for 5 years. Her primary responsibility at dental school includes teaching students in the Endodontic Department, collaborating on complex Endodontic and implant cases, and taking care of full-arch implant oral rehabilitation cases. Sunee graduated from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Afterward, she continued her dental specialty education by receiving a certificate in the Endodontics program from Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. In addition, she received a certificate and master's degree from an advanced education program in implant dentistry at Loma Linda University, California, USA. For her other specialty certifications, she received the following Diplomats and Fellowships: Academy of Endodontics (AAE), membership 2025 Academy of Osseointegration (AO), Diplomat 2023 American academy of implant dentistry (AAID), Fellowship 2022 American Board of Oral Implantology (ABOI), Diplomat 2021 Academy of Osseointegration (AO), Certificate 2021 During her Endodontics and implant specialty training and practice, Sunee published 8 clinical research articles and case reports. She was also invited to be a key speaker and give multiple lectures and presentations at international conferences. In 2025, Sunee starts her advanced education training in the Endodontics program at Loma Linda University. In addition, Sunee received the research mentor of the year 2024 from Loma Linda University. She also dedicated her time to the Academy of Osseointegration Social Media Committee 2023-2025.
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose