Use of a New ATP Assay Detection Method for Rapid Testing of Root Canal Cleanliness
Includes a Live Web Event on 08/27/2025 at 6:00 PM (CDT)
CE Hours: 1.0
Description: Bacterial testing of root canal systems in patients has traditionally presented with many difficulties. The culture technique never gained wide acceptance as the procedure is arduous and time consuming. DNA-based identification such as polymerase chain reaction suffers from high false positive readings by detecting DNA from dead bacterial cells.
A newly introduced ATP assay detection method provides rapid identification of organic residues in root canal systems by detecting ATP, as well as its degradation products ADP and AMP, using a combination of luminescent reactions. The resulting luminescence is measured and displayed as a 0 – 100 Endoscore, with low scores indicating less cellular (bacterial) contamination.
The ability to acquire results within 10 seconds can have significant ramifications in endodontics by allowing dentists to assess and modify cleaning and disinfection protocols in real time. Extrapolating data from research in extracted teeth, with artificially created biofilm, to clinical treatment of patients is complicated with potential inaccurate and erroneous inferences.
This presentation will review the ATP assay detection method and present data illustrating how this method can be used to validate an Er,Cr:YSGG laser-assisted endodontic protocol for the cleaning and disinfection of root canal systems.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe a rapid chair-side test for root canal cleanliness
- Test to evaluate endodontic treatment protocols.
- Describe how this test can be utilized to evaluate the efficacy of a laser-assisted endodontic protocol, utilizing an Er,Cr:YSGG laser, for the cleaning and disinfection of complex root canal systems.
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Justin Klonick, DDS
Dr. Kolnick received his dental degree, cum laude, from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, where he was the first dental school graduate to be awarded the University Scholarship for Overseas Postgraduate Study. He received his postdoctoral endodontic training from Columbia University in the City of New York.
Dr. Kolnick has been committed to endodontic education, first as an Associate Clinical Professor in Endodontics at Columbia University and then as an Attending at Westchester Medical Center and an Associate Clinical Professor in Endodontics at New York Medical College. Although he no longer holds these positions, he continues to lecture extensively on local, national and international levels and has published several articles on endodontics. Dr. Kolnick is dedicated to fostering excellence in endodontics through education and the incorporation of the latest technology. For the past 18 years, his experience and expertise in lasers has made a significant contribution to the development of a comprehensive, laser-assisted treatment concept in endodontics.
Disclosure(s): Biolase, EdgeEndo: Consultant, Honorarium/Gift
