Goal Of Endodontics Research Articles

Regenerative Endodontics for Adult Patients

The goal of endodontics is to save teeth. Since inception, endodontic treatments are performed to obturate disinfected root canals with inert materials such as gutta-percha. Although teeth can be saved after successful endodontic treatments, they are devitalized and therefore susceptible to reinfections and fractures. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has made a tremendous effort to revitalize disinfected immature permanent teeth in children and adolescents with diagnoses including pulp necrosis or apical periodontitis. The American Dental Association (ADA) in 2011 issued several clinical codes for regenerative endodontic procedures or apical revascularization in necrotic immature permanent teeth in children and adolescents. These AAE and ADA initiatives have stimulated robust interest in devising a multitude of tissue engineering approaches for dental pulp and dentin regeneration. Can the concept of regenerative endodontics be extended to revitalize mature permanent teeth with diagnoses including irreversible pulpitis and/or pulp necrosis in adults? The present article was written not only to summarize emerging findings to revitalize mature permanent teeth in adult patients but also to identify challenges and strategies that focus on realizing the goal of regenerative endodontics in adults. We further present clinical cases and describe the biological basis of potential regenerative endodontic procedures in adults. This article explores the frequently asked question if regenerative endodontic therapies should be developed for dental pulp and/or dentin regeneration in adults, who consist of the great majority of endodontic patients.

Bad teeth broken dreams: Restorative modalities for fractured, endodontically treated teeth

The goal of endodontics and restorative dentistry is to retain the natural teeth with maximal function and pleasing aesthetics. Endodontically treated tooth with little or no clinical crown can be restored with different post and core materials for additional retention and support but appropriated material and method depend on type, function and remaining tooth structure as well as tooth prognosis and economic status of patient. Three case reports are discussed here where structurally compromised, endodontically treated anterior & posterior teeth were restored with fibre post and core, cast post and core and biological/dentin post.

Part 1: “I would Rather have a Root Canal than...” Francis W Allen discusses the challenges of cleaning the canal thoroughly to minimize pain and ensure long-term success

ABSTRACT Cleaning and shaping of root canal system forms the most important step in root canal root canal therapy. Unfortunately most of the instruments and techniques advocated are unable to remove residual debris and bacteria, ultimately resulting in pain and failure. To eliminate the causes of pain, and ensure success, we must use instruments and employ a technique that can best accomplish proper cleaning and shaping. Virtually all canals have parallel walls, and are curved and oval in shape. Hence tapered instruments are unable to clean the canal effectively and increase the chances of ledges and transportation and extrusion of debris beyond the apex. With the introduction of Light Speed technology primary goal of endodontics which includes removal of debris safely and effectively can be achieved. This article focuses on the use of Light Speed technology to overcome the difficulties posed by the other instrumentation and techniques to achieve debris and bacteria free canal system.