Endo and Ortho: Two Important but Overlooked Topics in Pediatric Dentistry

Course Description:

This course will discuss two important but often overlooked topics in Pediatric Dentistry. These topics are Endodontic treatment in primary and young permanent teeth and the other is Orthodontics for the General Practitioner.  First, under the topic of Endodontics we will begin with an update on proper local anesthesia techniques of buffering with Septocaine and then the important role of Biodentine, a tricalcium silicate, in pulp and endodontic therapy.  For necrotic primary teeth, we will discuss the indications and contraindications of pulpectomies. We will also discuss the treatment of necrotic pulps of permanent teeth with an open apex, apexification, apexigenesis, and pulp regeneration. 

Orthodontics for the General Practitioner will first begin with the importance of orthodontics in the psychological, social, and emotional wellbeing of the child patient. We will then review the sequence of eruption of primary and permanent teeth. A section has been set aside to show over 40 panorexes and other radiographs that will demonstrate common tooth eruption patterns and problems.  These x-rays will inform the attendees how and when to treat these common Orthodontic issues and when to refer.

Goals of Endodontics in primary and young permanent teeth:

1. Understand the differences in pulp biology between primary and young permanent teeth
2. Learn the different endodontic treatment modalities for treating Primary and young permanent teeth
3. Discern when not to treat endodontically and extract instead

Goals of Orthodontics for the General Practitioner

1. The importance of knowing the sequence of eruption of primary and permanent teeth
2. Growth of the maxilla and mandible
3. Know the indications of space maintainers fixed expansion appliances
4. Learn the steps of banding for a fixed space maintainer
5. Sample appliance prescriptions will be given

 Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, participants will learn to: 

1. Describe the differences between primary and young permanent pulp biology
2. Learn the Evidence Based differences for Endodontic treatment of primary and young permanent teeth
3. Learn when to teat and when to extract
4. Understand the management and treatment of agenesis and ankylosis cases
5. How to diagnose and treat anterior and posterior cross-bites and thumb/tongue
6. Diagnose and treat common eruption problems by way of multiple panorexes
7. Know the indications and contraindications for space maintainers
8. Recognize when a case should be referred to the orthodontist

 COURSE SUMMARY:

 In this course, the general dentist will receive detailed instruction on how pediatric dentists treat many common endodontic and orthodontic problems with techniques that can be done in the office on Monday morning. Specific topics to be covered include: 

1. An update on proper local anesthesia techniques and buffering
2. The use of Tricalcium Silicates in pulp regeneration
3. Treatment of necrotic pulp in young permanent teeth with apexification, apexigenesis, and pulp regeneration
4. How to do an orthodontic exam and what that information means
5. Primary vs permanent teeth ideal occlusion
6. The preferred sequence of eruption of primary and permanent teeth
7. Diagnosis and management of ankylosis of primary teeth and congenitally missing permanent teeth
8. Diagnosis and early treatment of space management, anterior cross-bites, and posterior cross-bites
9. Indications and contraindications for simple appliances such as maxillary expansion appliances, correcting single tooth maxillary lingual cross-bites, habit breaking appliances, and space maintainers  
10. The role of enlarged tonsils and airway issues in malocclusion
11. Diagnosing common eruption problems from multiple panorexes