DT News - International - “If it’s better for the body, it’s better for the patient”

Anisha Hall Hoppe, Dental Tribune International

Sun. 29. May 2022

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ROOTS SUMMIT 2022 has been an event of deep learning, offering the latest takes on methodology and technology in endodontics. Dental Tribune International caught up with a particularly sought-after speaker, Dr Meetu Ralli Kohli, who delivered an inspiring lecture titled “Bioceramics in endodontics”. Dr Kohli shared why bioceramics should be valued by practitioners who want the best for their patients as well as some tips on how interested clinicians can become more comfortable transitioning from resins to bioceramics.

Dr Kohli, everyone here has come for a reason, so what are you offering them? Why are you excited?
I have been a dentist for 26 years, so the evolution in terms of sealers that we have now and materials that we have now and the biggest thing with bioceramics like mineral trioxide aggregate is biocompatibility, the ability for the body to adapt to the material. As dentists, we put so many things in the tooth and in the body, so the better the body accepts it, the more excited we are. I would say that’s the excitement. Bioceramics aren’t very new, so we are sure of the bioactivity of the material. I think that’s a big deal!

What would you want everyone to take home from this event?
I think I would want them to make a change towards bioceramic sealers. I am assuming most of the people here do regular endo. I think it’s time to transition to bioceramic-based material and step away from resin-based materials. If practitioners do surgery, then they should use the putty form. Not that using resin is wrong of course, but using bioceramic-based material is a small step towards a better material, histologically speaking.

Do you have any suggestions for practitioners who feel overwhelmed by change? What would you say to convince them to transition to bioceramics?
Two things. The first is to read up and look at the literature, and those of us involved with academia are more than willing to share the six or seven key articles that somebody should look at to be comfortable making a change. My second recommendation, and one that I also shared in my presentation is to practise in extracted teeth, to look for themselves and see that they are able to do a good job with this new material. It makes it easier to switch.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your initiatives?
My main initiative as I go and talk to people and lecture is to remind them to go back to the biology and to ponder why we do what we do. I think we need to get away from just the technique. We need to understand why we do what we do, and then the application of techniques makes sense. I think it’s very important to go back to school. When you are in your private practice and just work continually, you forget why you do it at times. I think it’s good to go back to learning the basics again.

Any time you have 50 stalls outside at a conference, how do you decide? You are not able to make a decision unless you know what you are trying to achieve. When you know what you are trying to achieve, then you can look at a product and ask whether this will help you to achieve your biological goals and then you can make the right choice. It helps you head in the right direction: “if it’s better for the body, it’s better for the patient.”

Attendees are enthusiastic about the scientific programme at ROOTS SUMMIT 2022. (All photographs: DTI)

A ROOTS SUMMIT attendee enjoying the hands-on learning.

Dr Zaher Altaqi discussing a minimally invasive approach to removal of fractured files.

Dental endodontic teeth with roots for endodontic practice.

Dr Jenner Argueta holding a course on the management of complex clinical situations with the help of 3D magnification.

Dr Marian Fanica during his hands-on course on post-endodontic treatment of teeth with large areas of destruction.

ROOTS SUMMIT started on Thursday with nine hands-on courses.

From left: ROOTS SUMMIT Co-Chairman Dr Freddy Belliard, Dr Zaher Altaqi and industry representative Hazel Hendy at ROOTS SUMMIT 2022.

Hands-on courses captured the attention of attendees and brought new procedural possibilities to the forefront.

Getting started with practice at a hands-on course.

ROOTS SUMMIT 2022 Scientific Chairman Dr David E. Jaramillo opening the event.

The conference venue in action.

Dr Meetu Ralli Kohli presenting on bioceramics in endodontics.

The audience listening very intently to Dr Meetu Ralli Kohli’s presentation.

Dr Francesc Abella in his presentation on digital planning in intentional replantation and auto-transplantation.

Dr Jaime J. Silberman discussing endodontic microsurgery.

The lovely ROOTS SUMMIT team welcoming participants.

ROOTS SUMMIT 2022 attendees in the exhibition hall.

Demonstration of R-Motion files at the FKG Dentaire booth.

Attendees of ROOTS SUMMIT 2022 were able to test the Axis dental microscope with high magnification (Global Surgical Corp.).

Attendees listen to a poster presentation. The posters are displayed on various screens across the venue.

Friends were easy to come by at U Fleků brewery, with lively entertainment and great food to add to the mood.

While at ROOTS SUMMIT, presenters, exhibitors and attendees were able to conduct some valuable networking and forge new friendships on Friday evening.

ROOTS SUMMIT attendees were serenaded with traditional accordion playing.

Once they realised how much fun was to be had, many attendees registered for the evening programme at U Fleků and were rewarded with great conversation, food and music.

Attendees were eager to celebrate with renowned presenter Gianluca Gambarini in a more personal setting at the historic U Fleků brewery.

Dr Radek Mounajjed, joint presentation titled “Root to crown: advanced adhesive endodontic/restorative concept” was well received by attendees.

Among other valuable skills, Drs Radek Mounajjed and Daniel Černý (pictured) taught ROOTS SUMMIT attendees how to identify clinically relevant factors for reconstruction of nonvital teeth and teeth with challenged vitality.

Participants at the CERKAMED booth, the silver sponsor of ROOTS SUMMIT 2022.

Interested attendees can check out the FKG booth to learn more about R-Motion files.

Participants are happy to be at this year’s meeting and meet fellow dentists.

Representatives of META BIOMED are happy to answer any questions about their products.

EdgeEndo offers endodontic files, points, obturators and verifiers.

Dr Hugo Dias impressed ROOTS SUMMIT attendees with a presentation titled “Management of pulp canal obliteration: Guided approach and tips to achieve mechanical and biological goals of endodontic treatment” and shared a variety of new approaches to performing root canal access.

DHM Dental showcases dental mirror systems.

Attendees of the 2022 ROOTS SUMMIT were treated to an informative lecture from Dr Igor Tsesis titled “Evidence-based treatment choices in modern endodontic treatment”.