To make the wait for ROOTS SUMMIT 2024 a little sweeter, the organizers would like to highlight some of the speakers for next year’s edition, which will be held from May 9 to 12 in Athens, Greece. Among the highlights will be the lecture and workshop presented by Dr. Antonis Haniotis, a prominent endodontist who has run a specialized miniature endodontic practice in Athens for 20 years. Attendees can look forward to his lecture on the management of root canal obstruction and his workshop on the same topic. His workshops are limited to a small number of participants and based on past experience are expected to sell out quickly.
Dr. Haniotis, to what extent are calcified canals, protrusion formation, and file fractures a unique challenge in root system disinfection?
Although the presence of pathologic, age-related, or iatrogenic root canal obstructions (calcifications, protrusions, and broken files) is not the direct cause of root canal treatment failure, it negatively affects the prognosis in the treatment of periapical periodontitis. These blockages make it difficult for the clinician to eliminate intracanal infections.
How can endodontists initially measure calcified canals and how can they manage these complex situations?
Root canal occlusions are most often diagnosed with 2D periapical radiography. Current high-resolution CBCT imaging provides an additional three-dimensional tool to assess the geometry and topography of the occlusion. The final assessment of the dimensions, content and negotiability of the occlusion is always done clinically. Our ability to negotiate beyond a root canal blockage depends on several factors. All factors affecting the negotiation and elimination of root canal blockages will be highlighted in my lecture. In addition, suggestions on how to overcome these difficulties will be presented.
The day before the ROOTS SUMMIT starts, you will do a root canal occlusion practice. What makes this course of particular interest to endodontists?
The challenging nature of managing root canal occlusions during non-surgical revision was a great inspiration. The idea for the root canal course was born out of a desire to learn and practice different techniques for managing current and future blockages. Special simulated conditions models are used to practice and deal with difficult cases. All participants work under magnification and light provided by dental operating microscopes and use state-of-the-art equipment. All this equipment is constantly updated. Attendees will be able to practice overhanging overhangs, removing cast and fiber posts, negotiating calcified canals and managing broken files. These features make it of unique interest to any endodontic enthusiast!
What instruments will be used during the course and what techniques will be taught?
Microscopes, ultrasound instruments, motor files, digital sensors and phosphor plates will be available for use in simulated conditions. Each participant will have their own equipment to use to work on custom made phantom heads and special teeth. Tools and materials from the best manufacturers in endodontics will be provided. Traditional and exotic techniques will be presented and practiced. Some new techniques were inspired by this course and developed specifically for it. So, participants should be prepared for a unique experience.
In a recent study, you talked about future developments in the management of root canal obstruction. Could you tell us something about these developments and how you handle them in your courses?
Motorized 3D irrigators, lasers, digital workflows, advanced programming software programs, guided endodontic techniques and artificial intelligence will shape the future of endodontics. We always try to highlight and reflect on these future developments in our channel occlusion courses.
Why did you decide to present at next year’s ROOTS SUMMIT and what are you personally looking forward to?
Accepting the invitation to present at ROOTS SUMMIT 2024 was a snap decision. No one can resist the temptation to be a part of it. Having the event in Greece for 2024 will be an amazing experience. ROOTS SUMMIT is all about bringing together endodontics enthusiasts from around the world. It is not only a scientific event but also a cultural mingling of endodontics of different origins, cultures and perspectives. I would like to invite you all to visit my hometown and keep the spirit of ROOTS SUMMIT alive.
Editorial note:
Dr. Antonis Haniotis will give a workshop covering root canal occlusion on May 8, 2024. More information about the workshop can be found here. He will also be giving a lecture entitled “Protrusions, Bricks and Broken Edges—Management of Root Canal Obstruction” on May 12, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. More information about the program and registration can be found at ROOTS SUMMIT website.
