Saturday 9th May


Venue: The View at The Royal College of Surgeons of England

About The Event

Time & Location

9th May 2026

09:30 am (Registration from 09.00 am)

Venue: The View at the Royal College of Surgeons of England,  38-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE

​​​​​

Speaker Profile

Dr. Domenico Ricucci earned his degree in General Medicine from “La Sapienza” University of Rome in 1982, followed by a DDS from the same institution in 1985. Since then, he has maintained a private practice dedicated to endodontics.

Alongside his clinical work, Dr. Ricucci has operated his own histology laboratory since 1998, gaining advanced expertise in hard tissue processing for light microscopy. His main research interests include pulpal and periapical tissue responses to caries and treatment procedures, the role of biofilms in endodontic infections, the etiology of root canal treatment failure, and pulp regeneration/revascularization.

He served as Professor of Cariology at the “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, Italy, during the 2002–2003 academic year, and was a member of the Research Committee of the European Society of Endodontology from 1999 to 2005. He currently holds the position of Adjunct Professor in the Department of Endodontics at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine (USA).

Dr. Ricucci has authored over 120 scientific publications and has lectured extensively at national and international conferences. He is the author of the textbooks Patologia e Clinica Endodontica and Endodontology: An Integrated Biological and Clinical View, the latter translated into Chinese, Russian, and Japanese. He has also contributed to 22 book chapters as author or co-author.

​

Learning content

Pulp Response to Deep Caries Lesions: Controversies in Caries Excavation Depth

This lecture explores the histobacteriological condition of human carious dentine and the histological response of dental pulps beneath deep carious lesions. Inflammatory reactions of varying severity are frequently observed in the pulp tissue, which may remain reversible until bacterial penetration into the pulp space occurs.

A key area of debate in the literature concerns the optimal depth of caries excavation. In an effort to avoid pulp exposure, many clinicians and researchers advocate for “selective” caries removal, leaving behind a layer of “firm” dentine, assumed to be non-infected. However, recent evidence challenges this assumption.

 

This presentation will review and critically discuss the latest high-quality research clarifying the pulpal response to both selective and non-selective excavation approaches. Histological findings will be presented demonstrating that bacteria are consistently present in the deepest layers of carious lesions. These microorganisms remain viable and are capable of sustaining subclinical inflammatory reactions in the underlying pulp.

​

“Vital Pulp Therapy in Deep Caries: Rethinking the Irreversible Pulpitis Diagnosis”

Pulpectomy has long been considered the standard treatment for teeth with carious pulp exposure and those diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. However, histopathological evidence challenges this approach by showing that pulp necrosis is a gradual process. In its early stages, necrosis is confined to the superficial pulp, with a transitional zone leading to deeper vital but inflamed tissue. The advancing front of infection is consistently confronted by a dense accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which gradually gives way to chronic mononuclear inflammatory cells, and eventually, relatively healthy, non-inflamed tissue at the periphery.

This lecture will present high-definition clinical video documentation demonstrating how to visually identify the infected pulp front, selectively remove diseased tissue through partial pulpotomy, and preserve the vitality of the remaining pulp. The exposed pulp wound is then protected with biocompatible and potentially bioactive materials, supporting healing and continued function. This biologically driven approach offers a conservative, evidence-based alternative to full pulpectomy, even in cases traditionally diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis.

​

“Root Canal Infections: A Multifaceted Biological and Clinical Challenge”

This lecture explores the complex progression of pulp degeneration and microbial colonization within the root canal system. Special emphasis will be placed on the formation and organization of bacterial biofilms, not only within the main canals but also in lateral canals, isthmuses, dentinal tubules, and other anatomical complexities that often escape traditional instrumentation and irrigation.

Advanced histological and microbiological evidence will be presented to demonstrate how biofilms may extend beyond the confines of the root canal system, contributing to extraradicular infections, a condition that challenges conventional endodontic approaches and may require surgical intervention.

The session will also critically examine key clinical decision points, such as the management of lateral canals and the determination of the apical extent of instrumentation and obturation. Controversial topics will be addressed in the light of current scientific evidence, including the biological relevance of achieving apical patency and the clinical significance of so-called “missed anatomy.”

​

Aims and Objectives

1. Describe key aspects of the pulp's response to deep carious lesions.

2. Understand the microbiological status of the residual dentin left behind after non-selective caries excavation.

3. List the parameters for the clinical diagnosis of pulp conditions;

4. Explain the histological condition of the pulp following non-selective carious tissue removal.

5. Explain the histopathological progression of pulp inflammation and necrosis following carious exposure.

6. Identify clinical indicators for performing partial pulpotomy and differentiate between infected and vital inflamed pulp tissue.

7. Evaluate the use of biocompatible and bioactive materials in preserving pulp vitality after selective tissue removal.

8. Describe the progression of pulp degeneration and the formation of bacterial biofilms within the root canal system and its anatomical complexities.

9. Recognize the mechanisms and clinical implications of extraradicular infections resulting from biofilm extension beyond the canal system.

10. Critically evaluate treatment strategies related to lateral canals, apical limits of instrumentation and obturation, and other controversial aspects of endodontic procedures in light of current scientific evidence.

 

Outline of the day

​