Speaker: Jenner O. Argueta, D.D.S., M.Sc.| The main goal of the lecture is to provide clinical techniques and scientific information related to the moment in which the clinician must decide on a root canal treatment or to give the pulpo-dentinal complex the opportunity to survive, maintaining in this way the important biological functions that the pulpal tissue performs. Always keeping in mind the fact that as long as we don’t know what we treat, overtreatment seems to be easier and more predictable than preservation of vital tissues. (Rechemberg, D. Zehnder, M. 2014).​

Speaker: Louis Lin, BDS, DMD, PhD| Traditionally, mature permanent teeth clinically diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis are treated with complete root canal therapy (RCT). However, recent studies have showed that mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis could be successfully treated with vital pulp therapy (VPT). Complete RCT compared to VPT has following disadvantages: weakening of the teeth by removing tooth structure to accommodate root canal filling; higher prevalence of root fracture; poorer survival rate; prone to carious attack; and loss of apical healthy pulp to prevent development of apical periodontitis.

Speaker: Simon R.. Abbey, B.Sc, DMD, M.Sc, Dip Endo| We identified 2997 proteins—four previously undiscovered in human tissue. Our two extraction procedures showed significant differences between the protein of the pulp stroma and odontoblast layer, and significant differences in the proteins expressed by young pulps and older pulps which reflect changes in protein expression throughout the tooth life cycle. We showed how different regions within the pulp have distinctive proteomic signatures, which probably reflect different functions and cell populations.​

Speaker: Rex Holland, B.D.S., Ph.D., John Nusstein, D.D.S., M.S., Stephane R.J. Simon, D.D.S., PhD, Kenneth M. Hargreaves, D.D.S., Ph.D. D.Sc. Join Dr. Ken Hargreaves in a "late night" talk show format as he interviews experts on the past, present and future of endodontic treatment.

SP-33: Speaker: Eric J. Herbranson, D.D.S., M.S.(C). This course is designed to be an update to my 2012 presentation on dentin conservation in endodontics which was the first to introduce to the associations members the modern principals and rational behind dentin conservation with its benefits to tooth strength and improved tooth survival. We will build on that lecture and highlight what we have learned the last five years. SP-34: Duo Zhang, D.D.S. Maximal reduction of microbial load in the infected root canals is a key goal in endodontics. The presentation summarizes past achievements and developments in antibacterial methods and describes recent advances in strategies to completely eliminate microbial presence in the root canals.

Speaker: Nestor Cohenca, D.D.S. The ultimate goals of vital pulp therapy are to preserve and protect the reversibly inflamed pulp tissue from additional injury, and to facilitate healing while maintaining the tooth and its ultimate position in the arch. For young, permanent, immature teeth, a conservative approach should always be our first priority to permit dentin deposition and development of a stronger mature root able to withstand occlusal loading. The etiology of exposure and the status of the pulp are the main factors correlated to the long-term outcome. Current advancement in biological-based materials further contributes to the outcome by providing a biocompatible seal. Contemporary vital pulp therapy techniques became efficient and predictable, as long as the proper assessment of the situation is made, and treatment is carried out in the appropriate fashion with strict adherence to the proper technique. This presentation will review the current evidence-based research and illustrate the clinical indications for of vital pulp therapy.

Speaker: Louis H. Berman, D.D.S., F.A.C.D. It’s a fact perfect endodontic treatment can sometimes be unsuccessful. Unfortunately, the lack of healing can often be attributed to an inadequate preliminary diagnosis or an improper prognosis assessment. Dr. Berman will systematically review the many variables that should be taken into consideration before the bur ever hits the tooth, including endodontic case assessment, periodontal concerns, tooth restorability, and the detection and prediction of the presence of root fractures. After this presentation, you will never look at pending endodontic treatment the same way again.

Speaker: David E. Witherspoon, B.D.S., M.S., M.F.A., F.I.C.D, This lecture will exam the current and future trend in vital pulp treatment. A case-based analysis will be used to explore treatment options that incorporate evidence-based treatment protocols into the everyday clinical practice.

Speaker: Nestor Cohenca, D.D.S., Would you like to increase your odds at saving your patients’ teeth? This nuts and bolts presentation will give you the tools to triage and successfully treat patients who present with pulp involvement, both vital and not vital, as well as dental traumatic injuries.

Speakers: Nestor Cohenca, D.D.S., F.I.A.D.T. & Anibal Diogenes, D.D.S., M.S., Ph. D. Although classical apexification remains a treatment option, pulp revascularization exploits the full potential for tissue ingrowth toward dentin-like tissue deposition and stronger roots able to withstand fracture. This presentation will discuss the importance of case selection and review the current evidence-based literature comparing the outcome and predictability of both therapies in immature teeth.