Dr. Konstantinos Ioannidis – Greece

Kostas graduated from the School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, in 2007.

In 2010, he successfully completed the MSc Degree of Specialization in Endodontics (Dept. of Endodontology, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece). This is one of the very few programs across Europe, which is accredited by the European Society of Endodontology (E.S.E.), providing the Specialty Certificate in the E.U.

In 2011, Kostas entered his name in the General Dental Council Specialist List in Endodontics (UK) successfully. In 2013, Kostas decided to progress in his academic career at Guy’s Hospital, King’s College London, UK. In 2019, he completed his PhD in Endodontology and Dental Materials with title: ‘Formation of toxic disinfection by-products during chemomechanical preparation of infected root canals and alternative methods for root canal disinfection’.

During Covid lock-downs in UK, Kostas attended two courses in medical forensics and was awarded with two Post-Graduate Diplomas in Forensic Medical Sciences & Forensic Human Identification (Academy of Forensic Medical Sciences, UK).

In 2022, Kostas was appointed Assistant Professor in Endodontology at School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

Cracking the cracked tooth code

The development of cracks is linked with the nature of stress distribution within the intact tooth and the threshold of tooth structure resistance against mechanical forces during masticatory function or parafunction. The identification of potential cracks in teeth, during clinical examination is essential for correct diagnosis, particularly if there is pulpal involvement. This presentation will aid in ‘cracking the cracked tooth code’, particularly in relation to their identification, management and justification of occlusal, periodontal and restorative prognostic indicators, which largely depend on the extent of the crack within the tooth structure. The learning objectives of this lecture are: a) To understand the biology behind crack development and propagation, b) To recognise the clinical signs and symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome, c) To understand the management of different extents of crack propagation and the implications related to bone loss which may compromise treatment outcomes and result in extraction and replacement with a single implant.