Endodontics: Successful tooth preservation even in older patients — a central theme at IDS 2013

Op 12 maart 2013 start de IDS in Keulen.  Het hiernavolgende bericht werd door de organisatoren vrijgegeven.

The success story of endodontics continues. Nowadays dentists have a large arsenal of instruments at their disposal to treat bacterial infections of the root canal. The standard equipment for dentists practicing endodontics includes magnifying spectacles with optimised LED lighting or, in more demanding situations, dental microscopes to assist them in visualizing the working area, which in most cases is very small. In addition, modern imaging methods make it possible to know the exact state of the root canal anatomy and to establish the conditions necessary for a targeted and comprehensive therapy. That’s why the long-term and sustainable preservation of teeth through endodontics is benefiting our aging society more and more. This makes possible the preservation of potential abutment teeth even in advanced old age.    

Over time, modern endodontics has been integrated into the spectrum of therapy offered by many general dentists. This includes manual or mechanical root canal preparation, efficient flushing methods for disinfection and modern instruments and materials for three-dimensional obturation. Even crown-to-root fractures of incisors are endodontically treatable thanks to advanced root canal post systems. The use of highly developed diagnostic and treatment regimens allows today’s practitioner to prepare and disinfect all accessible root canals all the way to the apex.    

In particular, mechanically rotating systems of files have contributed to this advance. These complete systems, which consist of only a few files, offer dentists a reliable instrument. Mechanical root canal preparation using rotating — sometimes reciprocally rotating — instruments is increasingly regarded as an alternative to preparing root canals by hand. Modern nickel-titanium alloys provide an extremely high level of fracture resistance. NiTi file systems which use disposable files are becoming increasingly popular, and in 90 per cent of cases, only one file is needed for patient preparation. High-performance, electronically controlled drive units with optional reciprocating motion and torque control help to almost completely eliminate fractures when using the mechanised files.    

At the same time, modern methods provide for the chemical-mechanical disinfection of the root canal using ultrasonic principles or hydrodynamics.They ensure a guaranteed reduction of the number of germs present even in lateral canals. Composite-based sealer adhesives and cements as well as modern thermoplastic gutta-percha systems — for vertical condensation — are also available for a subsequent bacteria-tight three-dimensional obturation.

These free-flowing and fully sealing materials permit the reliable filling of even complex canal structures. All of the latest innovations in endodontics will be on display for trade visitors at IDS, the International Dental Show in Cologne, from 12th to 16th March 2013.   

Revision of root canals and apicoectomy are among the more challenging areas of endodontics. Specialists in endodontics have at their disposal everything from minimally invasive microsurgical concepts to treatments for complex endo-periodontal lesions. The material of choice for the files they use is a nickel-titanium alloy. It goes without saying that procedures are performed, at the very least, with the aid of lighted magnifying spectacles. For the specialist, a surgical microscope provides such crucial assistance that no one wants to do without it. After all, these aids make a substantial contribution to a high level of reliability in the results. “The impressive scientific and technological progress in the field of endodontics can now ensure long-term preservation of teeth to an advanced age and meets the demand for a prophylactic and conservationist approach to dentistry,” summarizes Dr. Martin Rickert, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of German Dental Manufacturers (VDDI).    

Thanks to the intensive cooperation between a large number of endodontic specialists and companies in the dental industry, fully developed diagnostic methods have come into being. With these procedures, lesions of the root canal can be identified more precisely and subsequently treated more effectively. For example, modern imaging techniques can deliver an exact visualization of complex multiple-root canals all the way down to the finest or obliterated places. Likewise, they not only make possible endodontic measurement of the root canal all the way to the apex, but also provide exact control of the file position during canal preparation. Digital X-rays, digital volume tomography (DVT) and computer tomography (CT) are all essential tools in the highly specialized world of endodontics. Diagnoses made using these devices can also be saved and used for time-saving online documentation of the course of treatment.  

Technological advances have also become apparent in other areas of endodontics. Traditionally, X-rays were generally used to determine the working length of a root canal. Today, modern electronic measuring methods which don’t involve additional exposure to radiation can be used. For anyone wanting to get acquainted with the entire spectrum of new developments in endodontics, the 35th IDS, which will take place in Cologne from 12th to 16th March 2013, will be a particularly valuable source of comprehensive information.   

At IDS, endodontic specialists representing well-known companies from the dental sector will present the latest treatment strategies and procedures to an audience of trade visitors. In talks and discussions with experts, dentists and dental assistants will get a unique overview of the current state of endodontics. The world’s largest trade fair for dentistry offers a multitude of stimulating topics on subjects ranging from endodontic procedures in private practice to the integration of complex treatment systems at the expert level. Successful endodontic treatment increases the long-term chances of tooth retention and makes for satisfied patients, even in times of tighter financial resources in the healthcare system.   

"In our population, the desire to keep one's own teeth into old age is growing. This trend is taken into account at the International Dental Show in Cologne. From 12th to 16th March 2013, the world’s largest trade fair for dental medicine and dental technology will offer dentists and their assistants who are interested in endodontics the best opportunity to talk with specialists from exhibiting companies and experienced users in discussions about the whole spectrum of modern endodontic concepts and the current trends in treatments and diagnostics,” says Dr. Markus Heibach, Executive Director of the VDDI.   

IDS takes place in Cologne every two years and is organized by the GFDI Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Dental-Industrie mbH, the commercial enterprise of the Association of German Dental Manufacturers (VDDI) and staged by Koelnmesse GmbH, Cologne.