Future Research Directions in Pulpal Biology, Endodontic Materials and Endodontic Techniques

Abstract

The rapid evolution of Endodontic as a dental speciality and the increasing demands to identify the biological basis for treatment have resulted in a plethora of research activities designed to address many unanswered questions. However, even with these undertakings, Endodontics has failed to receive the necessary support of investigators and support agencies around the world to pursue basic questions and treatment modalities which have been the subject of empiricism for years. While other dental disciplines garner the majority of available investigative dollars, "What's the big issue about this little tissue?" The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief analysis of research endeavors in the area of pulpal biology, directives for future investigative areas, perspectives on technological advances in endodontic therapy, and incentives and challenges to future pursuits.