SP-8 A Critical Review of the Role of Neuroscience in Modern Endodontics

CE Hours: 1.25

Description: The diagnosis and treatment of dental pain is fundamental to the practice of Endodontics. However, recent advances in neuroscience have illuminated how complex pain actually is, and that there can often be a disconnect between the experience of dental pain in a patient, and the presence of endodontic disease. Teeth are uniquely innervated, and cause severe pain and sensitization of the nervous system, even in the absence of pathology in the pulp. Sensitization can lead to a confusing presentation of symptoms and complicate determining the diagnosis. Furthermore, persistent pain can occur even after successful endodontic treatment, due to changes in the nervous system that have been triggered by the original injury to the pulp. Endodontic materials, including sealers can also cause inflammation and injury to nervous tissues, further complicating the clinical picture. Understanding the mechanisms by which these materials interact with the nervous system is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. In this presentation, we will discuss recent the effects of different classes of Endodontic sealers on sensory neurons, diagnostic dilemmas related to pain,  and bring a biologically based approach into your Endodontic practice.

Learning Objectives:  

• Recognize the process of sensitization in the nervous system and its impact on diagnosis and treatment of dental pain.
• Describe how changes in the nervous system produce persistent pain and this could contribute to ongoing symptoms after endodontic treatment.
• Explain how endodontic materials can cause injury to nervous tissues.