CDE1846 - From Access to Success: Evidence-Based Strategies for Successful Endodontic Treatment
Course Description
The primary objective of endodontic treatment is to preserve the natural dentition by preventing and/or treating pulpal and periradicular diseases. To achieve this goal, the key clinical procedures involved in endodontic therapy must be accurately performed. An adequate endodontic access cavity is critical to reaching the internal anatomy of the tooth and represents the first step of the treatment. An ideal access cavity should provide free access to the root canals while minimizing unnecessary removal of tooth structure, thereby optimizing restorative outcomes and promoting long-term tooth survival. Aftterward, biomechanical preparation is carried out to clean and disinfect the root canals of both vital and necrotic teeth, establishing favorable conditions for subsequent root canal filling. Finally, proper definitive restoration should be placed as soon as the endodontic treatment is completed to reestablish the tooth’s esthetics and function, as well as to prevent future complications.
Learner Outcomes
Upon course completion, the participant will:
- Clearly describe the clinical objectives of the main endodontic procedures (e.g., diagnosis, access, cleaning/shaping, obturation, and restoration), focusing on their roles in achieving predictable and successful treatment outcomes.
- Critically compare and contrast at least two philosophies and two techniques used in each key stage of root canal treatment—including instrumentation, irrigation, and obturation—by evaluating their advantages, limitations, and evidence-based success rates.
- Identify and explain the most evidence-based and predictable techniques for each step of endodontic therapy (from diagnosis to obturation), demonstrating how they contribute to long-term treatment success through case-based discussion or literature review.
Notes
Presenter:
Dr. Ricardo Machado
Dr. Ricardo Machado earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI) in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil. He completed his specialization in Endodontics at the State University of Londrina (UEL) in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. He obtained his Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Endodontics from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUC/PR) in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, and the School of Dentistry at the University of São Paulo (FORP/USP) in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, respectively. He later completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Endodontics at PUC/PR in Curitiba. Dr. Machado currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences, Division of Endodontics, at the University of Oklahoma. He is the author of a textbook published in Brazil in 2022, has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications, and serves as a reviewer for several scientific journals, including the Iranian Endodontic Journal, European Endodontic Journal, Microscopy Research & Technique, Australian Endodontic Journal, Clinical Oral Investigations, Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics, and Odontology. He is also an Associate Editor for BMC Oral Health and Scientific Reports.