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ePaper created 2016-03-31, 16:35:38 | version 1.38.0
03roots1 2016 editorial | Re-establishing biological order Rootcanaltreatmentisatherapyasoldastime.Truly,itisstillafast-evolvingscience,evennowim- proving. The main objective of the treatment is to block the access of any kind of aggression to the supporting tissue, as well as to remove what has already infiltrated the pulp complex. Once this has been achieved, the human body will be able to heal itself. Sometimes,itisnoteasytoestablishafinaldiagnosis,andthisiswheremanyoftoday’sclinicians committheirfirsterror:bynotlisteningattentivelytoone’spatient,itisveryeasytomistakesimple sensitivity for cervical restoration or pulp inflammation. Small clues in the patient’s account, the right questions to clarify the story in combination with basic diagnostic tools, such as cold and hot pulp testing, as well as bite testing, are the pillars of diagnostics for endodontics. Only by knowing andproperlyapplyingthemcanonemakeproperuseofthedetailedknowledgeofcomplexpulpin- nervation systems and their potential modification due to pathology. When the basics are covered, additional tools, such conventional radiographic examination and CBCT scans, or 3-D radiographic exploration, provide certainty and new data. Relying only on technology can sometimes be prob- lematic,asendodonticsisasciencethatdealsnotonlywithdentalandbonystructuresbutalsowith vessels and nerves, which do not appear in our radiological findings. An endodontist can be best described as a medical artist who handles nerves, vessels and bone in a very delicate area where one’s medical knowledge is put to the test and state-of-the-art technol- ogies, including the microscope, rotary files and ultrasonic waves plus chemicals are to be properly used to biologically shape, clean and seal the complex system so that the human body can accept this treatment and heal itself. We should never underestimate the healing power of the human body once it is given the oppor- tunity.Dentistsneedtotrustthisgreatgiftandprovidethebodywiththisopportunitybasedonthe correct diagnostics and appropriate treatment. Both primary endodontic treatment and retreat- ment have high success rates reported in the literature, and it is irresponsible to deny our patients whatisbestfortheirhealth,andpotentialfinancialgainsfromalternativetreatment,suchasdental implants, should not determine the decision on whether to preserve or extract a natural tooth. Be a doctor to find it, be an artist to fix it and let nature do the rest. Prof. Philippe Sleiman, DDS, MSc, DDSc Adjunct Associate Professor, University of North Carolina, USA Assistant Professor, Lebanese University, Lebanon Prof. Philippe Sleiman