To locate opening of small canal orifice during endodontic procedure
Characteristics
Double ended
Working end—Longer than regular Explorer to reach opening of canals
Practice note
Endodontic Explorer is used exclusively on endodontic tray setups.
Endodontic Explorer must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping.
Instrument
Endodontic long-shank spoon excavator
Function
To curet inside of tooth to base of pulp chamber
Characteristics
Long shank to reach deep into cavity preparation
Double ended
Range of sizes available
Practice note
Endodontic Long-Shank Spoon is used exclusively on endodontic tray setups.
Endodontic Long-Shank Spoon Excavator must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping.
Instrument
Endodontic locking forceps (pliers)
Function
To grasp and lock material for transfer into and out of oral cavity
Characteristic
Similar to regular cotton forceps except for locking mechanism to secure material on the working end of the forceps (pliers)
Practice note
Endodontic Locking Forceps are used on endodontic tray setup and could also be used on restorative tray setups.
Endodontic Locking Forceps must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping. Hinged instruments should be processed open and unlocked.
Photo courtesy SybronEndo, Orange, CA.
Instrument
Vitalometer/pulp tester
Function
To test vitality of pulp in teeth
Characteristics
Two types—Electronic, digital (digital readout)
Electric or battery operated
Practice notes
The tester sends an impulse of electric current to the pulp, causing a reaction.
The current is increased by small increments until the patient indicates feeling a sensation.
Toothpaste is applied to the tip of the electrode to conduct electricity.
The tip is placed on the coronal part (facial or lingual) of a natural tooth.
Each root/pulp on the tooth is tested.
Vitalometer is used exclusively with endodontic tray setups.
Vitalometer tip must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping. Barriers should be used on the unit and/or the manufacturer’s recommendation for sterilization of Vitalometer tip and disinfection of unit should be followed.
Instrument
Broach
Function
To remove pulp tissue from canal(s)
Characteristics
Working end—Barbed wire protrusions on shaft grab and remove vital or nonvital pulp fibers
Handles—Color coded according to size
Range of sizes—Diameter increases with size.
Practice note
Broach is used exclusively on endodontic tray setups.
Endodontic Broach must be disposed of in a Sharps container. For single use only.
Photo courtesy Premier Dental, Plymouth Meeting, PA.
Instrument
Endodontic file—k type
Functions
To clean inside walls of canal
To contour inner walls of canal
Characteristics
Twisted design—More twists per millimeter than reamer
Used with push-pull motion
Handles—Color coded according to size
Range of sizes—To accommodate width of canal; diameter increases with size.
Available in different lengths
Examples:
21 mm, 25 mm, 31 mm
Practice note
Endodontic File—K Type is used exclusively on endodontic tray setups.
Endodontic File—K Type must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping, or used file must be disposed of in a Sharps container. Rubber stopper on the file should be disposed of in the garbage.
Photo courtesy Premier Dental, Plymouth Meeting, PA.
Instrument
Endodontic file—hedstrom
Functions
To clean inside walls of canal
To enlarge and smooth inner walls of canal
Characteristics
Triangular cutting edge
Handles—Color coded according to size
Range of sizes—To accommodate width of canal; diameter increases with size.
Available in different lengths
Examples:
21 mm, 25 mm, 31 mm
Practice note
Endodontic File—Hedstrom is used exclusively on endodontic tray setups.
Endodontic File—Hedstrom must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping, or used file must be disposed of in a Sharps container. Rubber stopper on the file should be disposed of in the garbage.
Photo courtesy Premier Dental, Plymouth Meeting, PA.
Instrument
Reamer
Functions
To cut and smooth dentinal walls of canal
To enlarge inner walls of canal
Characteristics
Twisted triangular cutting edge (similar to K-type file, but cutting edge is farther apart and has fewer twists per millimeter)
Used with twisting motion
Handles—Color coded according to size
Range of sizes—To accommodate width of canal; diameter increases with size
Available in different lengths
Examples:
21 mm, 25 mm, 31 mm
Practice note
Reamer is used exclusively on endodontic tray setups.
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