Endodontics

The course deals with etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries involving the dental pulp, and sequelae of these.

The student shall be able to prevent, diagnose and treat endodontic diseases involving the dental pulp and the apical periodontium. The course addresses topics such as emergency treatment, root canal treatment, prevention, prognosis assessment and evaluation of work performed. Further, the candidate shall be able to evaluate the treatment outcome. The graduated candidate is expected to handle and treat most of the endodontic problems occurring in general practice with confidence. The clinical practice should be based on existing knowledge from basic disciplines such as oral microbiology, physiology, oral anatomy and biomaterial sciences.

Knowledge

The student:

• is able to explain the preventive endodontic treatment principles and measures intended to preserve pulp vitality based on basic knowledge (anatomy and biology) of the pulp-dentin organ
• is able to explain circulatory conditions in the normal and inflamed dental pulp
• is able to explain the role of different nerve fibers involved in pulpal pain mechanisms
• is able to explain the immune system and disease progression in pulpal and periapical diseases
• is able to explain the role of oral microbes in endodontic diseases
• is able to explain tissue reactions to endodontic-related problems
• is able to explain the role of endodontic infections on systemic diseases
• is able to distinguish differences between pulpal and periapical diagnosis
• is able to understand various treatment modalities in preventive and root canal treatment
• has knowledge of various root filling materials and techniques
• is able to evaluate indication for retreatment and treat options for a previously root filled tooth
• is able to account for knowledge of dental biomaterials used in endodontics

Skills

The student is able to

• carry out a comprehensive examination of a patient with an endodontic-related problem
• communicate with the patient to obtain complete and relevant anamnestic information and communicate the endodontic treatment need as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to the patient
• establish a diagnosis on the status of the pulp and apical periodontium and make a treatment plan with the patient in focus
• handle most of the endodontic treatment needs which occurs in general practice and evaluate the treatment outcome
• assess the need for restoration of endodontically treated teeth
• handle necessary emergency treatment
• perform internal bleaching of teeth that have undergone root canal therapy
• monitor and evaluate the endodontic treatment (including surgical endodontics)

General competence

The student has the right attitude, shows empathy and focuses on quality in clinical treatment of the patient.