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66 — issue 2016 Endodontics Interview INTERVIEW with — Prof. Fabio Gorni Q: You have been a practicing dentist for about 30 years now, with a specialization in endodontics and surgical endodontics. In youropinion,whathasbeenthemostimpor- tant development in the field over the past three decades? A:Endodonticsisprobablythedentalspe- cialty in which the most significant tech- nological innovations have been intro- duced. The major innovations have encompassed instruments, materials and equipment. In terms of the improvement in instruments, rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) files are the greatest innovation. Regarding materials, bioceramic ce- mentshavetobetakenintoconsideration, since they represent an enormous oppor- tunity for the clinician. They can be used differently and have several applications, in particular treatment of severely com- promised teeth. Nevertheless, we have to remember that the daily employment of magnificationisoneofthemostimportant factors to be considered. Q: Developments in technology and mate- rialscontinuetoinfluencethepracticeofen- dodontics.Howhasthewayrootcanaltreat- ment as practiced by endodontists changed over the years? A: Certainly, these innovations have al- lowed therapeutic advances, for both pa- tients and the dentist. In fact, it is possible to perform a faster and more predictable therapy.Itiscertainlypossibletopreserve dentinaltissueowingtominimallyinvasive shaping of the root canals, but it can still ensure proper cleaning and, last but not least, it is possible to save teeth that just a few years ago would have been ex- tracted. Q: Recently, a study conducted at the Uni- versity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) demonstrated that using nanodiamonds to fortify gutta-percha could significantly im- proveoutcomesinpatients.Doyouthinkthis could be the obturation material of the fu- ture? A: First of all, I would like to congratulate Profs.DeanHoandNo-HeeParkandtheir team at the UCLA School of Dentistryfor thehighqualityandtheinnovationoftheir recent article. Without any doubt, we can say that gutta-percha has been the pre- ferred material for root canal filling, even with the great necessity to reduce peri- apical infection and to improve the mate- rial stability. In this research, the authors found a successful method by which to improve the manageability of gutta-percha, ob- taininganapicalsealsimilartotheconven- tional one. In addition, it is important to underline the relevance of the data rela- tivetoamoxicillin-enrichedgutta-percha. The in vitro study proved that drug-rein- forced nanodiamonds combined with gutta-percha effectively prevented bac- terial growth. However, this innovation needs to be proven in a clinical study, with appropriate records and the necessary follow-up. In my opinion, bioceramic ma- terials could bring about even greater advances in endodontics owing to their versatility. Q: In the U.S., the majority of root canal treatment is performed by general dentists. Have these dentists adopted newer tech- nologies, such as digital radiography and NiTi rotary instrumentation? A: The innovation brought about by NiTi rotary instruments has been substantial and has changed daily practice both for the endodontist and forthe general prac- titioner. In fact, it offers the possibility of obtaining a qualitatively good therapy in a short time. Digital radiography is not as relevant as NiTi rotaryinstruments arefor achieving a successful therapy. However, 3-D radiography had a considerably posi- tive impact on diagnostic methods. This method is based on a low radiation dose and increases the ability to make an accu- rate diagnosis, which guarantees a great resultforthe patient and a notable reduc- tion of time for the operator. Q: Could you tell us a little about Style Ital- ianoEndodontics,yourrolewithinthatcom- munity and why it is important to you? A: Style Italiano, which has more than 100,000 followers, is the largest dental community in the world. It started as a restorative sharing group and the idea of Style Italiano Endodontics was born from this body, less than six months ago. Style Italiano Endodontics is about to reach 35,000 followers. The purpose is to give to modern den- tists clear and accurate guidance and practical suggestions to apply during their daily treatment of patients. The three keywords that describe the philos- ophy of the group are “feasible,” “teach- able” and “repeatable.” Based on this idea, Style Italiano uses Facebookasawaytocommunicateallover the world and to share clinical cases with a large community of operators, so it be- comes easier to make and to receive criti- cism and commentary. This high visibility allows a dentist to share his or her work with a large number of people and compare it with many other ideas, so it can be regarded as an opportu- nity to learn and improve new techniques and share new and simple protocols. The main motto of the Style Italiano team is “you can do what we do”. Q: What role do you think courses such as theTribuneCMEClinicalMasters™Program play in promoting the skills and expertise of endodontists and general dentists? A: I think that, nowadays, dentistry needs tobebasedontechniquesrecognizedand accepted by the scientific community worldwide. The Tribune CME Clinical Masters™ Programs are held in the world’s largest cities, like San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, Milan and Dubai, and theyare led bysome of the most prominent experts in den- tistry.These courses offer“lifelong learn- ing concepts for an ever-changing indus- try,” access to high-quality training institutes from anywhere, the possibility of practical training in the faculty’s own environment, and live mentoring sessions with experts and peers. I believe that never before have such a large number of experts in various dental specialtiesbeenbroughttogethertooffer a program universallyrecognized as a cer- tificate of excellence. “It is possible to save teeth that just a few years ago would have been extracted.” Interview_Gorni_00-00.qxp_Layout 1 02.03.16 21:00 Seite 1 Interview_Gorni_00-00.qxp_Layout 102.03.1621:00 Seite 1