Endodontology - Predoctoral Program

The laboratory exercises have several purposes.  One purpose is to provide the student with the knowledge of the mechanics of the endodontic procedures of anterior and posterior teeth.  With the tooth held in the hand, in the initial exercises, the student can better appreciate the three-dimensional aspect of an access opening for the start of endodontic therapy.  To more closely simulate in vivo conditions, in subsequent exercises, the procedures will be performed on teeth mounted in models.

Another purpose of these exercises is to enable the student to see the actual location of the apical foramen in relation to the anatomic root end.  During the instrumentation and cleansing of the canal, the student will note the extrusion of dentin filings and tissue debris from the apical foreman.  Thus, the procedures used have the potential for placing considerable amounts of debris into the periapical tissues.   The irritating effects of such debris may be one of the causes of subsequent clinical symptoms associated with endodontic therapy.

Other objectives of this course are:

• To acquaint the student with the instruments, materials and techniques of nonsurgical endodontic therapy.
• To train the student in sterilization procedures performed prior to and during endodontic therapy.
• To train the student as to how to establish a local sequence of treatment procedures.
• To familiarize the the student with the techniques involved in minimizing the number of problems which might arise during endodontic therapy.
• To prepare the student for clinical practice of nonsurgical endodontics.

• To enable the student to relate pulpal biology to the basic sciences.
• To familiarize the student with the interrelationship of endodontology to other dental disciplines.
• To make the student aware of the reasons for the need of and the objectives to be achieved by performing endodontic therapy.
• To familiarize the the student with the techniques involved in access openings, pulp extirpation, intracanal cleaning, irrigation and filling, and in taking radiographs during endodontic treatment.
• To familiarize the student with the instruments, the tray set-up and the materials needed to perform endodontic therapy.
• To enable the student to understand the sterilization and microbial considerations in endodontic therapy.
• To classify pulpal irritants and to determine the reaction of the dental pulp to those irritants.
• To familiarize the student with the rationale, indications and contraindications of pulp capping, pulpotomy and pulpectomy.
• To familiarize the student with the clinical methods of diagnosing pulpal conditions.
• To discuss the philosophy of methods of prevention of pulpal inflammation.
• To provide information on treatment of pediatric endodontic cases.

• To familiarize the student with a biologically oriented approach to endodontic procedures.
• To make the student aware of the effect of each endodontic procedure and material he uses, and their role in endodontic success.
• To enable the student to understand the mechanisms of tissue repair, how to enhance the occurrence of repair and how to determine if repair has occurred.
• To enable the student to recognize endodontic failures and undertake corrective treatment.
• To familiarize the student with different consequences of trauma to the teeth and the most biologic management of these consequences.
• To make the student aware of the intimate relationships between the periodontal ligament, the pulp and other tooth components.
• To provide information and techniques which can aid in routine endodontic procedures and the management of problems.
• To enable the student to manage difficult diagnostic problems.
• To familiarize the student with management of the endodontic patient.
• To familiarize the student with the interrelationships of endodontology to other dental disciplines.

• To familiarize the student with proper endodontic record keeping;
• To enable the student to understand the importance of obtaining a complete medical history and the value of its interpretation;
• To familiarize the student with the methods of diagnosing pulpal and periapical conditions;
• To familiarize the student with a scientifically oriented approach to endodontics, including a logical sequence of treatment procedures;
• To acquaint the student with instruments, materials, and techniques of nonsurgical endodontic therapy as used in a clinical environment;
• To train the student in endodontic sterilization procedures;
• To provide information and training in the management of patients with and without special medical conditions;
• To provide the student with information related to the diagnosis and management of maxillo-facial pain;
• To give the student experience in the management of endodontic emergencies;
• To familiarize the student with the management of endodontic procedures such as apexogenesis and apexification;
• To familiarize the student with the management of endodontic problem cases such as resorptions, perforations, endodontic implants, etc.;
• To familiarize the student with methods of preventive endodontics; and
• To provide the student with information on drugs and drug interactions for patients being treated endodontically.

Description:  In addition to completion of the required endodontic cases, each student must perform at least one recall examination on a endodontic treated patient, attend a one day (two clinic sessions) enododontic emergency rotation in the graduate clinic, and perform a compentency exam.

The goals of this course are:

• To familiarize the student with proper endodontic record keeping;
• To enable the student to understand the importance of obtaining a complete medical history and the value of its interpretation;
• To familiarize the student with the methods of diagnosing pulpal and periapical conditions;
• To familiarize the student with a scientifically oriented approach to endodontics, including a logical sequence of treatment procedures;
• To acquaint the student with instruments, materials, and techniques of nonsurgical endodontic therapy as used in a clinical environment;
• To train the student in endodontic sterilization procedures;
• To provide information and training in the management of patients with and without special medical conditions;
• To provide the student with information related to the diagnosis and management of maxillo-facial pain;
• To give the student experience in the management of endodontic emergencies;
• To familiarize the student with the management of endodontic procedures such as apexogenesis and apexification;
• To familiarize the student with the management of endodontic problem cases such as resorptions, perforations, endodontic implants, etc.;
• To familiarize the student with methods of preventive endodontics; and
• To provide the student with information on drugs and drug interactions for patients being treated endodontically.