Unraveling the Neurobiological Foundations of Endodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
CE Hours: 1.75
Description: The diagnosis and treatment of dental pain is fundamental to the practice of endodontics. However, there can often be a disconnect between the experience of pain in a patient and the presence of clinical disease. Teeth are uniquely innervated and cause severe pain and sensitization of the nervous system, even when there is minimal or no 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 injure nervous tissues. In this presentation, we will review the current science underlying clinically relevant issues relating to pain and provide practical guidelines for minimizing risk for chronic pain after routine endodontic treatments
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how the unique innervation of the dental pulp can lead to peripheral and central sensitization.
- Explain how sensitization can impact endodontic diagnostic testing.
- Recognize how treatment planning decisions can reduce risk for chronic pain.
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Jennifer L. Gibbs, MS, DDS, PhD
Jennifer L. Gibbs, M.A.S, D.D.S., Ph.D. is Director of the Endodontics Division and Program Director of Advanced Graduate Education Program in Endodontics and an Associate Professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Gibbs received her dental degree and her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. She then completed a certificate in Endodontics and an M.A.S. in Clinical Research from the University of California San Francisco, as well as a postdoctoral training period. She is now a full time faculty at Harvard.
Dr. Gibbs heads a translational research group focused on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of orofacial pain with a focus on dental pain, and patient centered outcomes of endodontic treatments. She teaches clinically in the advanced graduate Endodontic Program and lectures to both post-graduate and pre-doctoral students. Dr. Gibbs cares for patients at the Faculty Practice at Harvard. She is a past Educator Fellow of the American Association of Endodontics.
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.
