Arnaldo Castellucci

"How modern technologies and new materials can simplify endodontic treatment: practical suggestions".

Arnaldo Castellucci, MD, DDS

In the last 10-15 years, there has been a real revolution in Dentistry in general and in Endodontics in particular and today we can safely say that Endodontics has never been so easy, predictable and within the reach of all those who want to practice it. The new ultrasonic tips, powered by modern and effective ultrasonic sources, allow access cavities to be performed in complete safety, with the utmost respect for the dental tissues, the original anatomy and adhering to the modern laws of minimally invasive Endodontics.
It is also well known that the success of endodontic treatment depends on the complete elimination of the contents of the root canal system and the sealing of all existing communication pathways between the endodontium and the periodontium. In other words, the final result of endodontic treatment must be the same as that which would have been obtained with the extraction of a compromised tooth. Therefore, it is obvious that knowledge of endodontic anatomy with all its possible variations and the correct determination of the working length are extremely important, so that not even the smallest portions of the root canal system are forgotten during the treatment.
There are many methods currently available to the clinician to measure the correct working length and today we have the latest generation of apex locators to work at the "Electronic Apex". The third generation of apex locators is extremely precise, is not influenced by the content of the root canal and has been specifically designed to locate not the "constriction" or "contact" with the periodontal ligament, but the "foramen", as it is based on the thickness of the surrounding dentin.
In addition, today we have very accurate and safe methods for a "complete" elimination of all the content of the root canal system, such as necrotic tissue, bacteria, biofilm, debris, and this method is based on apical negative pressure and simultaneous ultrasonic activation.
If we combine all this with the work performed under magnification and coaxial illumination, thanks to the use of the operating microscope, and the use of CBCT in the execution of a correct treatment plan, it is clear that the percentages of endodontic success are increasingly higher and achieved by an ever-increasing number of operators.

Graduated in Medicine in 1973 and specialized in Dentistry in 1977. From 1978 to 1980 he attended continuing education courses on Endodontics at Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry. His practice is limited to Endodontics, is Past President of the Italian Endodontic Society, Past President of the International Federation of Endodontic Associations, Active Member of the European Society of Endodontology, Active Member of the American Association of Endodontists.
Assistant Professor of Endodontics at the University of Cagliari and Professor of Micro Surgical Endodontics at the University Federico II of Naples. He is also teacher of Endodontics at the University of Siena and at the University of Brescia.
International lecturer, gave lectures in about 70 different countries all around the world.
Published more than 60 articles on Endodontics in the most prestigious Endodontic Journals and wrote chapter in several prestigious endodontic textbooks.
He is the author of the textbook “Endodontics”, now available in Italian, English, Russian and soon also in Chinese, Macedonian and Turkish. He is also author of “Micro Surgical Endodontics”, both edited by EDRA, also available is several languages.
Recently has been nominated Assistant Professor of Endodontics at Boston University, Faculty of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and Honorary Diplomate at the Indian Board of Endodontics of the Indian Endodontic Society.
He lives and practices in Florence and can be reached at 39 055 571114 or at castellucciarnaldo@gmail.com, www.endocastellucci.com