Digital Technologies in Endodontics

The resident acquires advanced knowledge of the role of digital clinical photography and documentation in endodontic practice, treatment planning, patient communication, scientific research and medical record keeping. The seminar examines the principles of clinical photography, selection of photographic equipment and optics, lighting techniques, standardisation of intraoral and extraoral photography, and the use of clinical videography. Image processing, data storage, data security and the role of digital documentation in clinical case presentations, scientific publications and healthcare quality assessment are also discussed. The resident develops the ability to produce high-quality, standardised digital documentation while adhering to professional ethics, patient data protection requirements and the principles of evidence-based clinical practice.

The resident acquires advanced knowledge of digital treatment planning in endodontics through the application of intraoral scanning, computer-aided design (CAD) and digital data integration. The seminar examines the use of intraoral scanning, digital models, integration of DICOM and STL datasets, and the application of CAD technologies in treatment planning and the design of guided endodontic procedures. The advantages, limitations and clinical applications of digital workflows in the management of complex endodontic cases are critically discussed. The resident develops the ability to interpret digital datasets, apply digital technologies in treatment planning and evaluate their contribution to improving treatment accuracy, safety and predictability.

The resident acquires advanced knowledge of the principles of guided endodontic template design and their application in the management of complex endodontic cases. The seminar examines the integration of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scanning datasets, digital treatment planning, CAD-based guide design and fabrication using three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. Indications, contraindications, clinical advantages and limitations of guided endodontics are discussed, particularly in the management of calcified root canals, access cavity preparation and other complex endodontic procedures. The resident develops the ability to plan, evaluate and implement guided endodontic procedures based on current scientific evidence and contemporary digital workflows.

The resident acquires advanced knowledge of computer-guided endodontics by evaluating the application of static and dynamic navigation technologies in complex endodontic procedures. The seminar examines the principles of navigation systems, digital workflows, clinical indications, accuracy and limitations of computer-guided techniques. The use of navigation technologies for locating calcified root canals, minimally invasive access cavity preparation, endodontic microsurgery and other complex clinical procedures is critically discussed. The resident develops the ability to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of navigation technologies, select the most appropriate navigation approach for individual clinical situations and integrate computer-guided techniques into evidence-based endodontic practice.

The resident acquires advanced knowledge of the application of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and digital image analysis in endodontics, with emphasis on their role in the investigation of tooth anatomy, evaluation of new instruments, materials and treatment techniques, and scientific research. The seminar examines the principles of micro-CT imaging, image reconstruction, three-dimensional analysis and the use of specialised software for the assessment of root canal morphology, instrumentation quality, root canal obturation, cracks, resorptive defects and other structural changes. Digital image analysis, quantitative data processing and interpretation of research findings are also discussed, together with the advantages and limitations of micro-CT compared with other imaging modalities. The resident develops the ability to critically evaluate micro-CT studies, interpret digital image analysis data and apply these findings in scientific research and evidence-based endodontic practice.