Current Program:

---

Rahim Karmali, DDS

Saturday, November 7, 2026

• Lecture I: Acute Myofascial Pain and the Odontogenic Connection Lecture II: Beyond Implants: Rediscovering Our Roots

  

  Lecture Presentations I and II 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

  BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Rahim Karmali is a globally respected clinical endodontist and speaker. He is known for a conservative, patient-centered approach to complex cases. He earned his DDS from the University of Washington, served as a Dental Officer with the U.S. Navy. He completed his endodontic specialty training at the Long Beach VA Medical Center. He is a Past President of the International Academy of Endodontics and was a co-author to the textbook “Best Practices in Endodontics.” His polished presentations challenge conventional thinking with evidence-based, clinically grounded insights that help dentists keep more natural teeth.

  Let’s redefine endodontic care by mastering the challenges of myofascial pain. Did you
  know that up to 30% of patients presenting with pain in general practice may experience
  myofascial pain, often mimicking endodontic issues and complicating diagnosis? This
  presentation delves into the intricate overlap between these conditions, which can occur
  simultaneously, creating diagnostic hurdles that affect post-operative success.
  Attendees will discover how accurate differentiation and effective management can
  reduce complications, leading to better experiences for you, your patients, and your
  referring community.
  Myofascial pain, a common yet not fully explored concern in the endodontic community,
  impacts many patients. This session will provide a concise overview of its etiology,
  share key diagnostic cues—such as trigger point identification—and offer practical
  clinical management strategies, including advanced imaging and therapeutic
  techniques. Through real-world insights, you’ll learn to navigate these challenges,
  ensuring optimal patient care and a holistic approach in endodontics.

  Learning Objectives
  1.  Differentiate Myofascial and Endodontic Pain:
  Develop the ability to distinguish myofascial pain from endodontic pain using clinical
  signs and patient history, improving diagnostic accuracy.
  2.  Analyze the Impact on Post-Operative Outcomes:
  Explore the correlation between untreated myofascial pain and post-operative flare-ups,
  and learn strategies to mitigate these risks for enhanced recovery.
  3.  Implement Effective Diagnostic and Management Techniques:
  Acquire practical skills to diagnose and manage acute myofascial pain, incorporating
  techniques like trigger point and red-light therapies, to optimize patient comfort and
  treatment success.

  Beyond Implants: Rediscovering Our Roots

  Beyond Implants: Rediscovering Our Roots
  The rise of dental implants has revolutionized dentistry, yet their growing popularity
  raises a critical question: Are we forgetting our roots and how to save our patients’
  teeth? This presentation will explore how implants, while a valuable option, may
  sometimes lead us to overlook opportunities for preserving compromised teeth. We’ll
  examine why maintaining the ability to save natural teeth remains essential; particularly
  for patients facing financial barriers, medical limitations, or a preference for retaining
  their natural dentition.
  Through real-world clinical examples, we’ll showcase successful endodontic and
  restorative management of complex cases. Attendees will see how advanced
  technology, like CBCT imaging and dental lasers, pairs with time tested techniques and
  materials to empower dentists to preserve teeth that might otherwise be extracted. This
  session underscores the importance of upholding and advancing endodontic and
  restorative skills, equipping us to offer patients the full spectrum of care.

  Learning Objectives
  1.  Recognize the Value of Balancing Implants and Endodontics:
  Understand how the growing reliance on dental implants may lead to overlooking
  opportunities to save natural teeth and why restoratively driven endodontics is critical for
  comprehensive patient care.
  2.  Apply Advanced and Traditional Endodontic Techniques:
  Learn to integrate modern technologies, such as CBCT imaging and dental lasers, with
  time-tested methods and materials to effectively manage complex cases, including deep
  caries, fractures, resorption, and large infections.
  3.  Enhance Clinical Decision-Making for Tooth Preservation:
  Develop strategies through real-world clinical examples to confidently preserve
  compromised teeth, enabling dentists to offer tailored treatment options that respect
  patients’ financial, medical, or personal preferences

Patients and clinicians are often confronted with situations where a tooth can be saved by either endodontic treatment/retreatment/surgery or extraction and replacement with an implant. This presentation will show a case series where a methodical approach to assess the viability of saving teeth with “BIG LESIONS” as opposed to extraction and replacement with an implant.

At the end of this presentation, the audience will:

1. Review a case series involving “Big Lesions” to determine when endodontic treatment is appropriate and when alternative approaches may be indicated.
2. Learn how to conduct comprehensive clinical and radiographic examinations, including thorough periodontal evaluation, pulpal vitality testing, and periapical assessment.
3. Emphasize the importance of detailed patient evaluation in the diagnosis and management of Endo-Perio lesioins.

Phoenicia Restaurant

343 Central Avenue

Glendale, CA 91203

 Saturday, November 7, 2026

 Registration/Breakfast 8:00am – 9:00am

Lecture 9:00am – 1:00pm