SECTION 10

INSTRUMENTS USED IN ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

When the pulp suffers irreversible pulpitis, the only way to retain the natural tooth is by complete removal of the pulp.

Figure 10.1

Figure 10.2

ENDODONTIC INSTRUMENTS

FIGURE 10.1a, b

Name

DG16 probe/root canal explorer

Function

Used to probe and detect canal openings within the pulp chamber

False friends

Root canal spreader, sickle/contra-angled probe

FIGURE 10.2

Name

Barbed broaches

Functions and precautions

• Single use finger instruments
• Disposed of in the sharps’ container
• Used to remove the intact pulp
• ‘Barbs’ on the broach snag the pulp to facilitate removal
• They need to be used cautiously as they can bind and break in the canal

Varieties

Available in different sizes and widths

False friends

Endodontic K files, Hedström files (used as an alternative), finger spreaders

Figure 10.3

Figure 10.4

FIGURE 10.3

Name

Gates Glidden drills

Function, features and precautions

• To enlarge the coronal third of the canal during endodontic treatment
• Small flame-shaped cutting instrument used in the conventional handpiece
• Different sizes – coded by rings or coloured bands on shank
• Are slightly flexible and will follow the canal shape but can perforate the canal if used too deeply
• Dispose of in sharps’ container and are single use
• Should be used only in the straight sections of the canal

False friend

Peeso reamer drill

FIGURE 10.4

Name

Peeso reamer drills

Function, features and precautions

• To remove gutta percha during post-preparation
• Small flame-shaped cutting instrument used in the conventional handpiece
• Different sizes – coded by rings or coloured bands on shank
• Peeso reamers are not flexible or adaptable, if not used with care can perforate canal
• Dispose of in sharps’ container

False friend

Gates Glidden drill

Figure 10.5

Figure 10.6

FIGURE 10.5

Name

Endodontic K files. Also called: root canal hand files

Function, features and precaution

• Finger instrument
• Colour coded by size. The six colours used most often are: size 15 (white), 20 (yellow), 25 (red), 30 (blue), 35 (green) and 40 (black). Also available in size 6 (pink), 8 (grey) and 10 (purple)
• Operator gradually increases the size of the file to smooth, shape and enlarge canal
• The larger the number of the file, the larger the diameter of the working end
• Disposed of in the sharps’ container and are single use

Varieties

• Different lengths: 21 mm, 25mm and 30mm
• Hedström files, Flexofiles®

False friends

Barbed broaches, finger spreaders

FIGURE 10.6a, b

Name

NiTi (Nickel titanium) rotary instruments

Function, features and directions for use

• Used to clean and shape the canals
• Used with endodontic handpiece and motor/>
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