Sat. 15.00
Synergy between cone- beam CT and microscopy in endodontics
Paul Lambrechts (Belgium)
Lecture description: 
The aim is to visualize the three dimensional shaping, cleaning and filling of the root canal space by innovative in-vitro and in-vivo techniques. Printing the 3D endodontium in your mind in combination with the real time magnified image through the surgical microscope will create a virtual endodontic environment which increases the awareness of the complexity and the final outcome of the treatment and prognosis. Novel non-destructive imaging and visualization techniques like X-ray micro CT ex-vivo (Resolution of <1 µm), Cone beam CT in-vivo (Resolution of 125 µm), Surgical microscopy and Environmental FE-SEM allow us to study the complexity of the root canal system and the tenacity of the biofilm. Dynamic rinsing with RinseEndo of Durr and/or the Photoactivated disinfection (PAD) with laser therapy is a smart concept to reach those bacteria in hidden niches, anastomoses, dentinal tubules and biofilms. Application time, penetration depth, bacterial type, biofilm type, planctonic stage or sheltered stage, all seem to play a role in the success of whatever root canal disinfection techniques. Finally, one could question if Sealing the root canal system by hybridization and resin tag formation, combined with entombing remaining microorganisms, is a dream or reality? The insight in dentin bonding for adhesive restorative dentistry is now finding its way inward and downward the root canal. In order to allow hybridisation and tag formation, again the smear layer, smear plugs, dentin debris and biofilms have to be removed and the system sealed through thermoplastic obturation.
 
Learning Objectives. At conclusion, participants should be able to:
 Create their own virtual 3D insight in the complexity of the root
 canal system.
 Link the imaging concepts to preparation and obturation goals.
 Understand the way how a biofilm is structured and can be
  destroyed.
 Improve the outcome of the endodontic treatment by a 3D seal 
 of the system.