PULP FICTION
Volume 2 | Dec 2024
The Editor's Cut
Greeting from the ever-evolving world of endodontics – a place where science meets stubborn canals and, occasionally, the unexpected. Welcome to the second volume of our widely known and highly esteemed mini-journal, Pulp Fiction.
This quarter, we’re serving up a mix of insights and revelations that might just make you see root canal treatment in a new light (or possibly smile secretly in the break room).
Beyond the contents of this email we thank you for your support throughout the year and wish you a very merry festive season.
Here’s what’s on the menu:
View from the Roof:
Richard takes on three recent research papers, tackling everything from cat-related gum mysteries to AI in endodontics.
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A Winston Wolf Approach:
David channels his inner fixer to solve one of endodontics’ snore challenging problems.
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Instagram Case Studies:
Two bite-sized sliders from David on radicular cyst management and digital workflows.
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Laser Wizardry:
A novel application of the Lightwalker Er:YAG laser that’s straight out of Star Wars.
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The Evidence Base for Vital Pulp Therapy:
A clinical case illustrating the promise of minimally invasive treatments for irreversible pulpitis.
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Love Letters to CBCT:
Richard’s ode to cone beam computed tomography and how it’s reshaped his practice (and his world view).
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The CPD Quiz:
End things on a high note with a quiz that tests your knowledge on this content and earns you CPD points.
View from the Roof
- Journal Dossier
In August 2022, I fell off my roof at home and ruined a perfectly good body. You would have thought that many months of paralysis from the waist down would be a time for deep inner reflection and a chance to emerge reborn as a wonderful human being. Sadly, that was not the case. I got better and I am still a cynical, miserable bastard.
Here are possibly less-than-glowing reviews of some recent articles in the International Endodontic Journal.
Article Review: Potential Predisposing Features of External Cervical Resorption
Shanon Patel et al. | International Endodontic Journal A critical look at a study aiming to unravel the mysteries of external cervical resorption (ECR). Spoiler: it’s still idiopathic, though apparently, owning a cat could tip the scales. → Read the Full Review
Endodontic Access Cavity Training: Phantom Heads vs Haptic Simulators
Damian M. Slaczka et al. | International Endodontic Journal My interest is piqued by a study comparing traditional phantom heads with high-tech haptic VR simulators for access cavity training. The verdict? Both are equally effective, though I’m relieved I don’t need to splurge on the latter. → Read the Full Review
Artificial Intelligence in Endodontics: Friend or Foe?
Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele et al. | International Endodontic Journal Raising my eyebrows at the possibility of endodontists outsourcing their thinking to machine-learning robots. → Read the Full Review
A Winston Wolf Approach
Channeling the no-nonsense spirit of Winston Wolf, David breaks down his strategy for tackling stubborn blocked canals.
From pre-treatment reconnaissance to clinical tricks, this piece is packed with practical advice for when canals simply won’t cooperate.
If you’ve got your own war story or unconventional solution to share, we’re all ears – email [email protected] to submit a review for the next volume.
Instagram Case Studies by Dr Selouk
Endodontic education meets Instagram-worthy content. David is back with two case studies that’ll make you look twice before doom-scrolling.
Case Study 1: Radicular Cyst Management
This case dives into modern management techniques with visuals so crisp you might mistake them for stock.
Case Study 2: Endodontic Digital Workflows Pt. 2
The sequel that might be better than the original.. Follow the step-by-step process of integrating digital workflows into real-life cases.
A Novel Application of the Lightwalker Er:YAG
Lasers in dentistry used to sound like something out of a sci-fi movie. Now, they’re front and centre in cutting-edge endodontics. David’s latest video showcases a daring application of the Lightwalker Er:YAG laser: removing a zirconia crown pre-treatment.
The Evidence Base for Vital Pulp Therapy
What happens when a case of irreversible pulpitis challenges the status quo? In this feature, our specialist associate endodontist Ian Blewitt explores a clinical case in which traditional root canal treatment took a backseat to vital pulp therapy (VPT).
Love Letters to CBCT
Some people write sonnets; Richard writes odes to CBCT. In this two-part video series, he dives into his deep affection for cone beam computed tomography.
The CPD Quiz
You’ve read, you’ve watched. Now, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to the test.
Take our brief CPD quiz based on this edition’s content to earn one hour of verified CPD time. It’s simple: score 80% or more and you’ll walk away with a certificate.
Thank you for taking the time to indulge us in this edition, and until next time!
