Innovative endodontics increases the success of treatment - a central theme at IDS 2009

Tooth preservation using endodontic measures is becoming increasingly important in modern dentistry with treatments that have been carried out in compliance with regulations achieving success rates - based on evidence - of between 68 and 85 percent. The spectrum of methodologies in conservative treatment ranges from manual or mechanical root canal preparation, disinfection and obturation, to the revision of the root canal should it become necessary and minimally invasive, microsurgical concepts for the treatment of particular endoperiodontic lesions. Dentists therefore have a range of highly developed instruments and tools available. "The fascinating scientific and technological advances in the area of endodontics have greatly improved the chances of long-term tooth preservation and also make this specialist area one of the significant components of prophylaxis-oriented dentistry", said Dr Martin Rickert, President of the VDDI (Association of German Dental Manufacturers). Many of the innovations created by endodontics experts have been further developed by businesses in the dental industry, resulting in mature instrument and tool systems. Now lesions of the root canal are diagnosed and, above all, treated better. For example, modern ultrasound imaging procedures are now used to locate the root canal precisely and measure its length right to the apex, as well as to provide exact control of the file position during preparation. High-resolution intraoral cameras that are connected to monitors and which enable documentation and diagnosis of endodontic treatments using views of the root canal are also available now. There are a number of different options available to endodontologists for root canal preparation: classic manual file systems or rotating instruments, particularly those made of break-resistant nickel-titanium alloys, as well as time-saving mechanical preparation. Preparation is carried out safely through the use of motors, which increasingly use electronically controlled torque limiting or variable oscillations. This means the files remain intact over their lifetime. Root canal rinsing for cleaning and disinfection using effective chemical preparations can now be supplemented by hydrodynamic procedures. For obturation, as well as the classic methods, there are modern sealer adhesives and cements made of composites, which also enable resilient post restorations if needed. Fibreglass-reinforced polymer or metal post systems for stable fixation can also be used, in addition to any necessary prosthetic treatments. For clinically complex problems, endodontologists are offered complete systems that also contain files with special geometries for the revision of treated root canals. As a last resort - for root tip resection, for example - there are powerful magnifying glass systems or surgical microscopes available for minimally invasive endodontic microsurgery for skilled experts. "For dentists that are wanting to start in endodontics as well as specialists in tooth preservation, a visit to the 33rd International Dental Show is an exceptional opportunity to become more familiar with the entire spectrum of this fascinating area", said Dr Markus Heibach, Managing Director of the VDDI. The latest endodontic products from the dental industry will be on display at the International Dental Show (IDS) from 24 to 28 March 2009 in Cologne. Endodontics also offers dentists the opportunity for specialisation, enabling them to focus on areas of dentistry that are economically attractive, for more and more patients are demanding long-term preservation of their teeth - and are increasingly prepared to finance this privately. The world's largest trade fair for dental medicine and dental technology offers endodontologists an outstanding opportunity to discuss the technical and economic aspects of modern concepts in endodontic instrument systems and tools in detail with specialists from exhibiting companies. 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." Note for editors: See under "Photos" in the "For the press" section for images of past IDS shows ( http://www.ids-cologne.de ).