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ePaper created 2017-03-17, 10:24:23 | version 1.38.0
INTERVIEW with — Dr. Francesco Maggiore Q: Dr. Maggiore, you are considered a prom- inent expert in the field of endodontics, what is the state of endodontics today? A: Endodontics is a very solid discipline and represents one of the most fascinat- ing specialties in modern dentistry. The technological and scientific achievements of the past decades have been enormous. For years, the goal of the specialty has been to raise the bar of endodontics, that is the standard of the routine root canal therapy performed by both general den- tists and endodontic specialists. Probably now we are confident in saying that the bar has been raised and many endodon- tic treatments once considered challeng- ing are actually properly managed by spe- cialists and by well-trained general dentists. Q: What have the major advancements in endodontics been? You mentioned techno- logical and scientific achievements. A: Yes, not only has technology advanced, but science has too. Electronic apex loca- tors, operating microscopes, nickel– titanium rotary instruments, warm gutta- percha filling techniques, CBCT and bioceramic materials are only some of the technological innovations that have drastically changed the way endodontics is practiced today compared with a few years ago. In the past, practitioners had to rely on their tactile sense when explor- ing the pulp chamber of a tooth or when trying to detect the apical constriction. It was the era of what I call “tactile end- odontics”—everything relied on fingers. Nowadays, under proper magnification provided by the operating microscope, we can clearly see the exact number and location of root canals, and using an apex locator, we can precisely detect the apical constriction. With the right skills and training, the use of the operating micro- scope allows the operator to have each step of the procedure under visual con- trol. This can be accomplished by micro- scope users, both endodontic specialists and general dentists alike. This is what I term “visual endodontics.” The scientific advancements are many, including the knowledge of the anatom- ical variation of each tooth and the his- tological response of the human body to diferent materials or biomaterials used in endodontics. Scientific advancement is the understanding of why, when and how an endodontic file breaks and even- tually how to prevent separation. Scien- tific advancement is also the awareness that we are dealing with a sophisticated biofilm complex rather than with single bacterial species. This has given rise to the prominent role of irrigation protocols and modalities in everyday practice. Q: What are the diferences between general dentists and endodontic specialists in per- forming endodontic treatment? 44 — issue 2017 Endodontics Interview