5 BEST ENDO ROTARY FILES

Author: Dr. Honey Singhal

Introduction

Root canal instruments were earlier made of either carbon steel or stainless steel until 1988 when Walia and colleagues brought a fantastic combination of Nickel and Titanium to the endodontic world. Rotary nickel & titanium files were introduced to the dental sphere in early 1990s. Since then, rotary endodontic files have been evolving as per requirement and convenience.

Combination of Nickel and Titanium has proved to be a boon to the world of dentistry as it offers shape memory and superior elasticity. This alloy regains its original shape after exposure to  a certain temperature, thus making it an ideal choice for endodontic file system. Due to this alloy’s flexible nature, files follow the path of root canals and are therefore exemplary for curved canals. With increased durability and torquabilty, they deliver optimum and sustainable results. Their features do not limit their use to particular cases thereby reduced file failures and jeopardized root canal procedures to almost negligible.

Purpose

The impetus behind evolvement is not limited to canals of the tooth or success rate of endodontic treatment but also to clinician’s and patient’s comfort and ease. Rotary endodontic files are evolving and replacing the conventional hand files to achieve perfect shaping of the canal in least amount of time and minimum effort. Evolution of these files is also to avoid mishaps like ledge formation, perforation, file breakage etc.

Whether we call it development or advancement or modification or revision or even innovation, any such difference in the field of dentistry seems a never-ending process.

Evolution is all about change and every small change towards growth makes a difference, as appropriately phrased, “Little by little becomes a lot”.

They can be broadly classified into five generations: 

First generation (1992 onwards)

The most notable NiTi rotary instruments in this category are LightSpeed Endodontics (1992), Profile-Dentsply (1993), Quantec-SybronEndo (1996), and GT system-Dentsply (1998)

Second generation (2001 onwards)

This generation comprise ProTaper Universal by Dentsply, K3 SybronEndo, Hero Shaper by Micro-Mega, Mtwo by VDW, I Race and I Race Plus by FKG Dentaire.

Third generation (2008 onwards)

This category was defined by K3 XF Files by SybronEndo, Profile GTX Series by Dentsply, HyFlex CM by Coltene, and Vortex Blue by Dentsply Tulsa.

Fourth generation (2011 onwards)

Wave One by Dentsply, SAF by ReDent Nova and Reciproc by VDW, fall in this category.

Fifth generation (2013 onwards)

File systems which mainly constitute this category are ProTaper Next and Gold by Dentsply, Super Gold Flex by SuperEndo, Wal-flex by Waldent, NeoEndo Flex, One Shape and Hero Gold by Micro Mega.

Basic design of any rotary file constitutes of following features:

1. Tip
2. Taper
3. Pitch
4. Helical angle
5. Rake angle
6. Radial land

Rotary endodontic files are every aspiring dentist’s choice to achieve optimum results as Louis I. Grossman rightly states in his book that “Cleaning and shaping the root canal comprise the most important phase of endodontic treatment“.

Rotary files play a distinct role in a successful root canal process starting from cleaning, shaping to the obturation of the canals. An ideal canal to be obturated must have a continuous taper from orifice till the apical tip to achieve a snug fit of the Gutta percha or any filling material, adhering not just to the walls but also reaching the apical end. Any promising rotary file system along with dentist’s clinical skills and precision prepares excellent canals for an exquisite completion of the root canal treatment.

This article discusses features and specifications of only five renowned brands of endodontic rotary files while there are others too in the league which are matching and competing with these.

Dentsply Protaper Gold

These are the most preferred rotary file system used by dental practitioners to experience both shaping and finishing together in the process. These files offer magnificent flexibility and ability to navigate the apical curvatures.

These files have a shorter handle which is about 11 mm. The more the curvature of the canal and the number of rotations of the file, more is the fatigue to the file. They also offer good resistance to cyclic fatigue thus offering a sorted root canal procedure. Click “here” for more information.

Price: 2250/-

Speed: 300 rpm, Torque: S1 & SX – 5.1 Ncm, S2 & F1 – 1.5 Ncm, F2 F3 F4 F5 – 3.1 Ncm

Waldent Wal-flex Gold

Most of the features required from an efficient rotary file system is offered by Waldent Wal-flex Gold. These files offer unique flexibility, cyclic fatigue resistance, non-cutting tip, corrosion resistance and are also economical. After access opening of the tooth, the first and foremost requirement is removal of the debris from the canals followed by shaping. These files systematically evacuate pulp tissue along with casting a required shape to the canals. They engage very well even with obliterated, calcified and severely curved canals. Click “here” for more information.

Price: 1095/-

Speed: 250-350 rpm, Torque: 1.5-3Ncm

SUPER ENDO SUPER GOLD FLEX

SuperEndo Super Gold flex files possess all advanced features like variable taper design, superior flexibility, great cutting efficiency, fatigue resistance etc. at a very economical price. These files are extremely friendly for the dental practitioner as they can pre-bend for curved root canals.

They are prepared in such a way that they regain the shape after being sterilized in an autoclave hence elongating their usage in multiple cases. The taper is designed in a way that it reduces the forces on the walls of the canal and preserves the dentin. Click “here” for more information.

Price: Rs. 895/-

Speed: 300-350 rpm, Torque: 1.5-2 Ncm

NEOENDO FLEX FILESs

Neoendo flex files are known for their cutting efficiency and efficient flexibility. These rotary files bear a non-cutting safety tip at the apical third so as to avoid accidental breakage. Cross section of these files reveals their triangular design which offers supreme cyclic fatigue resistance.

In most of the cases only 2-3 files are required which makes the process simplistic and lessen the time consumed. Neoendo flex files undergo advanced gold thermal treatment to impart superior cutting efficiency. Prolonged surface heat treatment reduces the opening of flutes under resistance forces inside the canal. Click “here” for more information.

Price: Rs, 1400/- for a pack of six files.

Speed: 350rpm, Torque: 1.5 NCm

Micro mega Hero Gold

These files are available in in dual taper variants that is 4% and 6%. Taper is 4% at the apical third which goes up to 6% for the coronal third. Hero gold is a single use file system which completes shaping process in one go with least number of instruments. It bears three edges for division and balancing of forces. Its big inner core provides resistance to accidental breakage.

It has a helical pitch which efficiently extirpates pulp tissue and shapes the canal with an optimum flair along with good flexibility. The helical design varies as the taper varies along the length of the file hence minimises operator fatigue and offers a smooth experience to the patient. This single file system along with its other characteristics makes the root canal treatment procedure hassle-free and less time consuming. Click “here” for more information.

Price: Rs. 1850/-

Speed: 450-600 rpm, Torque: 1.2 Ncm

Conclusion

With ever growing advanced technology in endodontic procedures, rotary files have also evolved and have come a long way to make the process simpler not just for the dentist but also for the patient. While the use of hand files still continues as a combination system with NiTi rotary files to diminish drawbacks of traditional filing system, rotary preparation has given new perspectives and has taken endodontics to another level of progression.

The above given information and mentioned brands are just an addition to the existing pool of knowledge and there is no intention to promote any brand whatsoever. The order of brands mentioned are not based on any survey or any other factors, it is based on my personal experience of the brands hence, may vary from others’ opinions.