The use of MTA in Clinical and Surgical Endodontics
LOD-082-00
Dr. Arnaldo Castellucci
Recently, Dr. Mahmoud Torabinejad of Loma Linda University, California, has developed a new cement named Mineral Trioxide Aggregate which appears to have all of the characteristics requested of the ideal cement to seal pathways of communications between the pulp and the oral cavity (mechanical and carious pulp exposures), and between the root canal system and the periodontium (iatrogenic perforations, open apices, resorbed apices, root-end preparations).<br><br>MTA is an endodontic cement that is extremely biocompatible, capable of stimulating healing and osteogenesis, and is hydrophilic. MTA is a powder that consists of fine trioxides (Tricalcium oxide, Silicate oxide, Bismute oxide) and other hydrophilic particles (Tricalcium silicate, Tricalcium aluminate, responsible for the chemical and physical properties of this aggregate), which set in the presence of moisture. Hydration of the powder results in formation of a colloidal gel with a pH of 12.5, that solidifies to a hard solid structure in approximately three-four hours. This cement is different from other materials currently in use because of its biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, marginal adaptation and sealing properties, and its hydrophilic nature.<br><br>The characteristic that distinguishes MTA from other materials used to date in endodontics is its hydrophilic properties. Materials used to repair perforations, to seal the retro-preparation in surgical endodontics, to close open apices, or to protect the pulp in direct pulp capping, are inevitably in contact with blood and other tissue fluids. Moisture may be an important factor due to its potential effects on the physical properties and sealing ability of the restorative materials. As shown by Torabinejad et al., MTA is the only material that is not affected by moisture or blood contamination: the presence or absence or blood seems not to affect the sealing ability of the mineral trioxide aggregate.<br><br>During the presentation, several cases of treatment with MTA will be showed. Aim of the presentation is to show the indications and the technique for the correct use of this relatively new material: how to seal an open apex, how to repair a strip-perforation under the microscope, how to protect a pulp exposure to perform a direct pulp capping, how to use MTA during surgery to seal the retroprep.<br><br>In conclusion, the viewers should be able to appreciate the advantages of this material, which made our treatments more predictable and gave us the possibility to save teeth otherwise condemned to extraction.
LOD-062-00
Dr. Lorne Lavine
The course will assist dentists in developing a plan to create a digital or chartless practice. We will look at the six components of a digital practice and how to make intelligent decisions for purchasing each component. We will also look at the process to integrate all of these components together.
Endodontic Access and Negotiation - Breaking & Entering
LOD-038-00
Dr. L. Stephen Buchanan
Technological advances in shaping and filling root canal systems have resulted in extremely consistent and ideal outcomes making those procedures more science than art form. However, cutting access cavities, finding all the canals in a tooth, and negotiating them to their full apical extents still requires developed skills and careful attention to detail. Ironically, many clinicians consider the access preparation and root canal negotiation those things we do to get to the important stuff afterwards this is ironic because when a mistake occurs during these initial phases in treatment it is often impossible to recover. Loss of structural integrity, perforations, missed canals, blocked canals, ledged canals and broken files are just some of the negative outcomes that occur when access and negotiation procedures go awry.<br><br>With adequate radiographs, the right access instruments, ultrasonic handpieces, lubricants, apex locators, and a predictable negotiating technique, artful outcomes can and should be the expected result when we head into a root canal space. Dr. Buchanan will show, in a step-by-step manner, the concepts, instruments, and techniques needed to set the stage for endodontic success using CT reconstructions of endodontic anatomy, video footage shot through an operating microscope, and radiographs of clinical cases.
Endo or Implant - Rational decision making from an Endodontist's viewpoint
LOD-029-00
Dr. L. Stephen Buchanan
As an Endodontists who places implants, Dr. Buchanan presents a uniquely balanced argument for when to save teeth with endodontic therapy and when the patient will be better served by replacement of the tooth with an implant. Dr. Buchanan will first explain the procedural advances available from endodontic specialists to save many teeth previously thought to be unsalvageable, including microsurgery, MTA root repair material, ultrasonics, and state-of-the-art shaping, cleaning, and 3D obturation technology. Then he will discuss how the structural integrity of roots greatly affects the long term prognosis of endodontically-treated teeth and methods for maintaining the inherent strength of teeth being saved with RCT. Finally, Dr. Buchanan will explore the advantages and satisfaction of a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment planning with an emphasis on the new trend of endodontists to view themselves as understructure specialists.
Challenging Composite Restoration With Free-Hand-Bonding - An Illusion Became Reality
LOD-008-00
Dr. Didier Dietschi
The growing concern of patients for tissue preservation and oral aesthetics has rejuvenated 'free-hand bonding with composites' and made it a primary treatment option for the anterior teeth. This lecture covers fundamental knowledge about color and optical properties, different treatment options with composite restorations, and provides a comprehensive description of clinical procedures.