Day 1 – 16th May
Title: Minimally Invasive Endodontic Treatment – Step by Step
Speaker: Dr. Dimitar Kosturkov, PhD
Endodontic treatment involves procedures that reduce the strength of dental structures and increase the risk of fractures. The advancement of modern technologies and materials allows minimizing the negative consequences of root canal treatment. This lecture presents contemporary concepts for minimally invasive endodontic treatment.
Each stage will be reviewed step by step, including:
- Endodontic access
- Preliminary coronal enlargement of root canals
- Shaping of the middle and apical zones of the root canals
- Disinfection of the endodontic space
- Medication and obturation of root canals
A critical analysis of each step will be provided. The lecture will introduce the latest endodontic equipment and instruments for minimally invasive endodontics, including:
- Endodontic motor and apex locator – Elements Connect & Apex Connect (Kerr)
- Rotary files – Kerr Traverse (glide path) and ZenFlex (canal shaping)
The properties and advantages of these instruments will be discussed, along with protocols for their use in different clinical situations (including retreatment). Techniques for three-dimensional disinfection and obturation of the endodontic space will also be explored.
Participants will learn techniques for quick, easy, and predictable processing, disinfection, and filling of root canals with minimal invasion. The lecture will present the warm vertical condensation obturation technique – Continuous Wave of Condensation, using the Elements IC (Kerr) device.
The lecture includes numerous scientific articles on the topic and is illustrated with extensive photographic and video material from various clinical cases. The course consists of a short presentation and multiple demonstrations.
Day 1 agenda:
09:00-09:30 registration/welcome coffee
09:30-11:00 Theory part 1
- Concepts of minimally invasive endodontic treatment
- Selection of Ni-Ti systems and files based on the case
- How to create a glide path with Traverse and system details
- How to shape root canals with ZenFlex and system details
11:00-11:30 Coffee break
11:30-13:00 Theory 2
- Strategies for successful endodontic treatment using Kerr equipment – Elements Connect & Apex Connect
- Modern techniques for three-dimensional disinfection of the endodontic space
- Modern techniques for three-dimensional obturation of root canals with the Elements IC unit
13:00-14:00 lunch break
14:00-16:00 Hands on
- Introduction to the equipment – Elements Connect & Apex Connect, Elements IC unit
- Minimally invasive shaping of root canals – strategies and work protocols
- Three-dimensional filling of root canals with the Elements IC unit using the Continuous Wave of Condensation method
Each participant should prepare several extracted human teeth from different groups with endodontic cavities.
Day 2 – 17th May
Title: Post-Endodontic Restoration of Teeth
Speaker: Dr. Dimitar Kosturkov, PhD
This workshop focuses on the principles and techniques for effective post-endodontic restoration, ensuring the long-term success of root canal-treated teeth. Participants will gain practical experience in selecting the appropriate restorative approach based on the remaining tooth structure, functional demands, and esthetic considerations.
Day 2 agenda:
09:00-09:30 registration/welcome coffee
09:30-11:00 Theory part 1
- Fundamentals of Post-Endodontic Restorations – Understanding the biomechanical challenges of endodontically treated teeth and the principles of reinforcement.
- Selection of Restorative Materials – Comparison of composite resins, fiber posts, and full-coverage restorations.
- Indications for Direct vs. Indirect Restorations – When to choose direct composite build-ups versus indirect crowns, inlays, and onlays.
11:00-11:30 Coffee break
11:30-13:00 Theory part 2
- Post Selection and Cementation – Indications for posts, their placement technique, and cementation protocols.
- Core Build-Up Techniques – Proper material selection and layering techniques to maximize strength and durability.
- Clinical Workflow and Protocols – Step-by-step demonstrations of various post-endodontic restorative techniques, including bonding protocols and finishing steps.
13:00-14:00 Lunch Break
14:00-16:00 Hands on
- Restoration of access cavities with composite resins for anterior and posterior teeth.
- Hands-on training with fiber post placement and adhesive cementation.
- Core build-up on extracted teeth or typodont models.
Outcome:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to confidently restore endodontically treated teeth using modern adhesive and restorative techniques, ensuring long-term function and esthetics.
Date&Location: 16-17.05.2025, Brasov