Dr. Eugenio Pedulla

Prof.Dr. Eugenio Pedullà graduated in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics at the University of Catania in 2003, he had his PhD at the same university in 2007. Research fellow at the University of Catania from 2009 to 2014, actually he is Associate Professor at the University of Catania in Dentistry, where he is the Professor of Conservative and Endodontics.

Prof.Dr. Eugenio Pedullà is active member of the Italian Academy of Endodontia (AIE) and of the Italian Society of Conservative Dentistry (SIDOC), Ordinary Member of the Italian Society of Endodontics (SIE), International Member of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and of the European Society of Endodontology (ESE). He is speaker at national and international congresses and author of national and international papers on Nickel-Titanium instruments and Endodontics.

Prof.Dr. Eugenio Pedullà carries out his clinical and research activities mainly in the field of endodontics and conservatives.

The elimination of infection from the root canal system is the key determinant of endodontic success. Root canal shaping facilitates mechanical removal of bacteria and enhances the action of irrigants. The apical third remains the most challenging area to prepare due to its narrowness, frequent curvatures, and anatomical variations. The concept of the “apical constriction,” the endpoint of shaping, as well as the ideal final apical dimensions, are still debated in the literature.

The advent of heat-treated nickel-titanium instruments and bioceramic sealers has promoted minimally invasive approaches, influencing preparation strategies. Contracted access cavities and reduced taper designs encourage techniques that preserve native anatomy, particularly in the apical third.

This lecture will critically analyze the evidence on the balance between excessive dentin removal and insufficient bacterial reduction, with the aim of improving the long- term prognosis of endodontically treated teeth.