CV
Dr.Kim is well known and respected for his research in dental pulp physiology and microcirculationrunning the Pulp Biology Laboratory when he was a faculty member at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. When he joined the Dental School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1992 as chairman of the Department of Endodontics, Dr. Kim not only brought the department into the “New Age “ using the Microscope in endodontics, but also established the Microscope Training Center at the School. Since its inception, over 1000 leaders in endodontic education and clinical practitioners from the USA, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia have been trained at the Center. It is the longest running University based continuation program in the world. He also changed old fashioned endodontic surgery to modern microsurgery by developing a series of microinstruments for the field and writing a textbook entitled,“Color Atlas of Microsurgery in Endodontics” published in 2000 by the Saunders Co.
Endodontic Microsurgery : When, Why, How
The main purpose of endodontic therapy is to keep the natural teeth in one's mouth. To accomplish this clear objective dentist must perform root canal therapy and root end surgery when RCT fails. Root end surgery is called Apicoectomy in the past and Endodontic microsurgery in this modern day. They are fundamentally different in terms of instruments materials, biological principles and, most importantly, the success rate. In this presentation I will critically compare these two procedure. Also 8 basic steps in microsurgery will be presented, so that the participants will have a clear understanding of the modern surgical procedures. These 8 steps are : esthetic flap management, effective hemostasis, a small osteotomy, skilful management of the mental nerve and the sinus, identification of complex root canal anatomy visible on the resected root surface, precise root-end preparation with ultrasonic tips and root-end filling with Bioceramic.
Learning objectives
- Participants must understand difference between apicoectomy done in the past and microsurgery
- Participants must be aware of indication of microsurgery
- Participants must understand the use of instruments, materials and surgical steps
Modern Clinical Dilemma : Implants vs. Endodontics
Dental implants have become an integral part in modern dentistry since late 1980. Original true indication for dental implants included the replacement of single missing teeth or in partially and completely edentulous situations. Nowadays it is very different. Some clinicians even suggest the extraction of teeth that could be saved by root canal therapy and prosthetics reconstruction, as implant treatment is believed to be more predictable. This predictability is base on the reported high success rates reported in literature. Is it true ? The dilemma for many clinicians, especially general dentists, is when to treat a tooth endodontically and save it or extract it and subsequently placing an implant. It is not an easy decision for many situations. In this presentation modern endodontic therapy, both nonsurgical and surgical treatment, will be discussed along with true success or survival rate of implants. In conclusion, participants should be able to compare endodontic and implant studies according to success and survival rates, understand the importance of an interdisciplinary treatment planning approach and be able to make an educated decision.
Learning objectives
- Participants must understand limitations of implants
- Participants must be familiar with recent advancements in endodontic therapy
- Participants must save teeth if all possible