Pulp Biology, Microbiology and Oral Pathology
Study Course Implementer
Residency Speciality
Aleksandra.karkle@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The course provides advanced knowledge of the biological foundations of tooth and pulp development, structure and function, the microbiology of endodontic infections, and clinically relevant aspects of oral pathology essential for understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment planning of endodontic diseases. The course explores the biological and microbiological processes involved in the maintenance of pulp and periapical tissue health and the development of disease, while developing the ability to recognise pathological changes of the oral mucosa and other oral tissues that require differential diagnosis, interdisciplinary collaboration or referral for further investigation and management.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.1.Acquire advanced knowledge of tooth and pulp embryology, biology, histology and physiology, understanding their role in the normal function of the pulp and periapical tissues, tissue responses to injury, and the pathogenesis of endodontic diseases. 2.Acquire advanced knowledge of the microbiology of the root canal system and periapical tissues, including biofilm formation, microbial virulence factors, and their role in the pathogenesis, persistence and management of endodontic infections. 3.Acquire knowledge of the clinical presentation of common oral pathological conditions and oral mucosal diseases, their differential diagnosis, and their relevance to endodontic practice
Skills
1.1. Interpret the biological processes of the tooth and dental pulp and evaluate their significance in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment planning of endodontic diseases. 2. Analyse the microbiology of the root canal system and periapical tissues, evaluate the role of microbial biofilms in the development of endodontic infections, and justify treatment planning based on microbiological principles. 3. Recognise common pathological conditions affecting the oral mucosa and other oral tissues, perform differential diagnosis, and determine the need for additional investigations or referral to an appropriate specialist.
Competences
1.1. Integrate knowledge of tooth and pulp biology, the microbiology of the root canal system and periapical tissues, and oral pathology into the diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical decision-making of endodontic diseases. 2. Independently evaluate the biological, microbiological and pathological factors influencing the development, progression and treatment outcomes of endodontic diseases, making evidence-based clinical decisions. 3. Recognise oral pathological conditions unrelated to endodontic disease and, when appropriate, ensure timely referral to the appropriate specialist and interdisciplinary collaboration in the patient's further management.
Assessment
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Test |
-
|
Test
|
|
A written examination consisting of theoretical questions and clinical case-based scenarios designed to assess the resident's knowledge of tooth and pulp embryology, biology, histology and physiology, the microbiology of the root canal system and periapical tissues, and the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and clinical relevance of oral pathology and oral mucosal diseases in endodontic practice. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
-
Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
Topics
|
Tooth Embryology, Biology, Histology and Physiology
Description
The resident acquires knowledge of the principles of tooth and pulp embryology, biology, histology and physiology by analysing their role in tooth development, tissue structure, function and responses to injury. The seminar explores the biological properties of the pulp–dentine complex, dentinogenesis, pulp defence mechanisms, age-related changes and tissue regenerative potential, and evaluates their significance in the pathogenesis of endodontic diseases and clinical decision-making. |
-
Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
Topics
|
Microbiology of the Root Canal System and Periapical Tissues
Description
The resident acquires knowledge of the microbiology of the root canal system and periapical tissues by analysing the aetiology of endodontic infections, the mechanisms of microbial biofilm formation, microbial virulence factors, and their interaction with the host immune response. The seminar examines the microbiological characteristics of primary, secondary and persistent endodontic infections, the role of biofilms in disease pathogenesis and treatment outcomes, and the application of microbiological principles in endodontic treatment planning and clinical practice. |
-
Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
Topics
|
Oral pathology and differential diagnosis
Description
The resident acquires knowledge of the clinical presentation, diagnostic principles and differential diagnosis of common oral pathological conditions and oral mucosal diseases relevant to endodontist's practice. The seminar explores pathological conditions affecting the oral mucosa, jaw bones and other oral tissues that may mimic endodontic disease or influence treatment planning. The resident develops the ability to recognise lesions requiring further investigation, biopsy or referral to an appropriate specialist. |
Bibliography
Required Reading
Nör JE. Pulp biology and pulp bioengineering. J Endod. 2017;43(9S):S9–S14.
Berman LH, Hargreaves KM. Cohen's Pathways of the Pulp. 13th ed. Elsevier; 2025. (Ch. 1-3)
Siqueira JF Jr, Rôças IN. Microbiology and treatment of acute apical abscesses. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2013;26(2):255–273.
Ricucci D, Siqueira JF Jr. Biofilms and apical periodontitis. J Endod. 2010;36(8):1277–1288.
Ørstavik D, Pitt Ford TR. Essential Endodontology. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2019.
Duncan HF et al. "Treatment of pulpal and apical disease: The European Society of Endodontology (ESE) S3-level clinical practice guideline." Int Endod J. 2023;56:238–295.
Siqueira JF Jr, Rôças IN. Present status and future directions: Microbiology of endodontic infections. Int Endod J. 2022;55(Suppl 3):512–530.