Endodontic products used to perform endodontic therapy, also known as root canal treatment, can help drive efficiency and determine the procedure's success. Today, endodontists rely on precision equipment and materials for shaping, enlarging, and cleaning root canals in preparation for sealing. The ultimate goal is to send patients home with a healthy smile and pain-free teeth that last a lifetime.
In this article, we will explore the advancements made in endodontic products and look at some essential tools and materials to improve the efficiency and outcomes of root canal treatment.
Early evidence of endodontic therapy was discovered in a tooth dating back to the Romans circa 200 B.C., which contained a 2.5 mm bronze wire implement. Fast-forward to the1800s, when piano wire was employed to remove remnants of tissue from root canals. The first instrument specifically designed for endodontics, however, was created in 1838, when Edwin Maynard modified a watch spring. By the 1900s, hand files came on the scene, such as K-files and H-files (Hedstrom files), to help clean and shape the canal and create a smooth glide path.
Today, root canal tools and materials have improved upon the early inventions and are revolutionizing the efficiency and outcomes of the procedure. In fact, modern endodontic therapy has a success rate as high as 94%.
Below are some examples of improved products that have helped reshape the outcomes of root canals.
Effectively cleaning and shaping root canals, these K-Files create a smooth glide path to the apex. Made of high-quality German 18/8 stainless steel, they offer flexibility and precision for optimal results. Each K-File features a pre-mounted silicon stop and a safety eye feature for easy threading and added protection. Additionally, the peanut-shaped grips are ribbed for better control. Available in lengths of 21 mm, 25 mm, and 31 mm, the files are ISO colour-coded by size for easy identification.
Perfect for enlarging the root canal, these Hedstrom Files have a durable stainless steel construction. With sharp edges that guarantee precision, their pre-mounted silicone stops also optimize safety. They ensure flexibility and efficiency when prepping and adapting to curved canals, and their textured grip increases dexterity and control. Featuring ISO colour-coded handles according to size, they come in 6-packs of 21 mm, 25 mm, and 31 mm lengths.
This EDTA 17% Solution is ideal as an irrigant and efficiently opens dentin tubules to enhance cleansing. Effective for smear layer and dentin mud removal, this superior chelating agent facilitates decalcification of the canal walls to enable enlarging and shaping with files and reamers.
A stable and reliable root canal filler and sealer, this Root Canal Sealant Kit is a simple two-paste system with an easy 1:1 mixing ratio. Its zinc-oxide eugenol formulation ensures minimal leakage and reduced dimensional change. It also contains barium sulfate as a radiopaque agent that eliminates silver staining and prevents darkening. Offering an extended working time of more than 2.5 hours, each kit contains a 10 g tube of base, a 3.5 g tube of accelerator, and a mixing pad.
Enabling precise and effective lateral condensation of gutta-percha points, these Finger Spreaders are made of high-grade, highly polished stainless steel. They feature ergonomically designed grips that prevent slippage and ISO colour-coding for ease of identification. They come in a 6-pack of assorted sizes, from #15 to #40, as well as in 6-packs of #20, #25, #30, and #35 in various lengths.
Today’s root canal treatments have a high success rate. Improvements in endodontic equipment and materials have played a significant part in this success by increasing procedural efficiency and saving the patient’s natural teeth while alleviating their pain. With such positive results, who wouldn’t smile?