5 Challenges For an Endodontist Category: Restoration Instructor(s): Enrico Cassai Course structure: Lessons: 5 lessons | Duration: 10 h 47 min Course overview This comprehensive endodontic course is designed to equip dentists with practical strategies for solving five of the most challenging situations in daily practice. From managing severely curved and calcified root canals to retreatment cases with indirect restorations, post removal, and fractured instruments – every lesson provides a clear, step-by-step clinical protocol supported by modern techniques and proven tools. Participants will gain insight into accurate diagnostics with CBCT, advanced access cavity design, safe mechanical preparation, irrigation optimization, and the use of innovative systems for obturation, post extraction, and broken file removal. The program combines evidence-based knowledge with real clinical demonstrations, ensuring that dentists can confidently overcome complications and improve treatment outcomes. Recommended for: -Pediatric dentists-Endodontists-Restorative dentists-General practitioners who want to master advanced endodontic problem-solving. Curriculum Lesson 1. Treatment of Curved Canals This lesson explores the challenges of diagnosing and managing curved root canals, including double S-curvatures and extreme apical curvatures. Participants will learn protocols for detection with radiographs and CBCT, access and localization techniques, canal preparation, and mechanical treatment principles. The session also highlights risks such as steps, blockages, perforations, and file separation, while presenting strategies for safe instrumentation. Practical guidelines are provided for handling curvatures exceeding 90° and for using advanced irrigation techniques like IrriFlex. Lesson 2. Treatment of Calcified Canals This lesson addresses the complexities of obliterated and calcified canals. It covers diagnostic strategies, the role of CBCT, and principles of access cavity formation with traditional and modified approaches. Participants will see step-by-step techniques for preparing and treating obliterated canals, prevention and management of perforations, and guided endodontic cavity access. Special emphasis is given to pulp stones, their etiology, and the indications for surgical intervention. Clinical demonstrations illustrate effective use of modern irrigation tools to improve treatment outcomes. Lesson 3. Removal of Coronal Restoration This session focuses on the removal and management of coronal restorations during endodontic re-treatment. Learners will understand the advantages of multiple isolation, challenges of anterior vs. posterior direct restorations, and protocols for handling amalgam and composite restorations. The lesson provides strategies for re-treatment through, under, or by removing crowns, with demonstrations using Metalift® and WAMkey® systems. The MAP One system for obturation is also introduced as an advanced method for predictable outcomes. Lesson 4. Post Removal This lesson provides a comprehensive overview of removing different types of posts encountered in re-treatment cases. Participants will learn the indications for post removal, identify types of posts (passive, threaded, casted, fiberglass), and explore techniques for safe and efficient removal using ultrasonic devices, specialized systems, and extractor tools. Practical step-by-step demonstrations emphasize tips and recommendations for minimizing complications and ensuring preservation of tooth structure during post removal. Lesson 5. Removal or Bypass of Separated Instruments This session teaches protocols for managing one of the most common complications in endodontics: fractured instruments in the root canal. It explores the causes of instrument failure, criteria for choosing between removal and bypass, and detailed step-by-step techniques using ultrasound, extractors, and advanced removal systems like Terauchi® and Endocowboy®. The lesson also covers bypass protocols, obturation strategies, and challenges in dealing with silver pins. Learners will leave with practical tools to address these difficult cases with confidence.
