The document provides detailed information about various endodontic file systems, including types such as Flex R, Safety H, and rotary files like NiTi files, discussing their designs, materials, and applications for root canal treatments. It elaborates on the features that enhance flexibility, safety, and efficiency of these files, such as tip design, cross-sectional shapes, and cutting techniques tailored for different canal anatomies. Additionally, it covers innovations in endodontic technology, including single-file systems and advancements in file materials, contributing to improved procedural outcomes.

1. Everything you need to
know about Endo Files

2. There are 3 types of file systems
such as:
Flex R File
Safety H Files
Rotary File System

3. Flex R File

4. The invention of Flex R File was back then
when Powell noticed that the straight stainless
steel tips of the files could only increase the
tendency of the transport or ledge and eventually to
perforate curved canals at the outer wall which is a
convex curvature of the canal. It was then when
Powell pointed out that the reduction of tip angle
could help the file to focus on the original canal and
could cut the edges or the sides evenly.
This modification of the tip brought in the Flex R
File.

5. The tip was modified and a triangular file design
was given to Flex R File. The cross-section area of
the file is 37.5% less to that of the square file of the
same size which gave the flexibility to the file’s tip.
The curved canals produced a concentrated
parabolic tip which removes the elastic deformation
of the instrument in a concentrated area and helps
in the distribution of the forces in cutting the
flutes. This helped in reduction of canal
transportation during canal preparation.

6. Flex R File has a balanced force technique. It
has reduced the procedural accidents as the tip is
rounded and safe. These files are sharper and have
less negative rake angle. The modification has
allowed greater control of strength and
flexibility by controlling the cutting edge and cross-
sectional area of the metal bulk. The file cuts
in anti-clockwise rotary motion. It
increases carrier effect i.e it carries more amount
of debris out of the canals.

7. Safety H Files
Safety Hedstrom Files were designated by Buchanan and was
introduced by Kerr Manufacturing in 1993. It is now being
marketed in as ISO 15 to 40.
The modified tip of Safety H Files and the non-cutting sides has
turned them to be successful. The non-cutting smooth
edges prevent ledging in the curved canal. The file has to be
directed according to the curvature of the canal. Safety H Files
ensures safety with enhanced efficiency for filing or reaming.
These files are specially designed for retreatment.
The spiral design of the flute increases depth and length from tip
to handle. The cross-sectional shape of the file is ‘S’ in shape
because of which these are also called S Files. It is used in linear
motion and prepares the canal without ledging it. These files do
not remove excess materials from the outer wall.

8. Colour code for all the endo files (which includes all the K-
files, H-files and Reamers) remains the same whereas the
length of the files come in three sizes such as 21mm, 25mm
and 31mm. The colour variants come in 9 shades i.e Pink,
Gray, Purple, White, Yellow, Red, Blue, Green and Black.
Gutta- Percha Points for all the files comes either in
percentage or in points which could either be like in 2%, 4%
and 6%.
Paper Points are used to dry the root canal post preparation
and irrigation. These files are highly absorbent, sterile and
merely contain any adhesive. These points come in 0.2, 0.4
and 0.6.

9. Rotary File System
A Rotary File System is a cylindrical or modified
cylindrical form that rotates rather than reciprocating
motion. Rotary File System was introduced in early
2001.
These files are used with an endodontic handpiece in an
ordered sequence. These files were made up of
materials like carbon, stainless steel and nickel-
titanium alloys (NiTi Files).
Rotary File System was accepted widely as they
improved the safety and consistency of results. Hence,
improving its efficiency and procedural simplicity.

10. NiTi File System
NiTi File System brought in an era to the world of Endodontics.
NiTi Files are made up of nickel and titanium alloy. The elasticity
of nickel and titanium allows it to return to its shape following a
significant deformation, making the endo files more flexible and
are able to conform to canal curvature, resists fracture. NiTi
files are engine-driven tapered and pointed endodontic
instruments where the cutting edges used to mechanically shape
and prepare the root canals during endodontic therapy or
procedure.
NiTi Files are long-lasting and tend to wear less as compared to
stainless steel and other materials.NiTi files have two specific
designs that have increased the efficiency of the files and have
put a tremendous impact on the shaping potential of files i.e
the Cross-Sectional Design and Tip Configuration

11. There are few other components such as Helix Angle, which may
change along the working surface added up with a measuring stop,
measuring lines and a taper.
NiTi files show superelasticity when put under stress undergoes to
a state of martensitic transformation and on the release of stress,
it gets back to an austenite form i.e it gets back to its original
shape. The new prototype rotary motors have improved the torque
control with an automatic reversal that has
eventually decreased the breakage of rotary files. These
are biocompatible having anti-corrosive properties. The
invention of Radial Lands has allowed NiTi files to be used as
reamers in a 360° motion.
These properties of NiTi files have made a shift for the clinicians
from using high torque instruments such as stainless steel to low
torque instruments such as NiTi files which are more efficient and
safe as compared to other file systems.

12. Profile - Series 29
The series of instruments were introduced by Stephen
Buchanan.
These file systems have tip diameter d1 and increase with
sizes. 0.02 mm is for 6-10 size, 0.05mm is for 10-60, 0.1mm
is for larger sizes respectively. The tip diameters differ from
size to size such as for 10-15 sizes the difference is 50% and
from 55-60 it is 9% only.
A new size - 1 of profile 29 series corresponds to ISO size 10.
These files are available in stainless steel as well as in NiTi
hand instruments. They resemble NiTi “U” files having a
narrow tip of 0.02mm. These instruments are spaced with
more instruments with smaller sizes and fewer instruments
at larger sizes.

13. Profile GT Rotary Files (Great Taper)
Great Taper was introduced by Dentsply Maillefer, for cleaning
and shaping.
Profile GT comes with different great taper, sizes ranging from
0.06, 0.08, 0.10, 1.12 mm.
According to Buchanan, these files are sized to fit a certain
size of canals. They are variably pitched, radical lands
clockwise cut U-blade that provides reaming like efficiency at
the shank with K-file strength at their tips. Flute diameter is
generally set at 1.0mm for safely limiting the coronal
enlargement.

14. ProTaper Rotary System
ProTaper File System includes six instruments
in it. There are three shaping files and three
finishing files.
 The shaping files are named as S-X, S-1, S-2.
 The finishing files are names as F-1, F-2, F-3

15. S-X Files
The auxiliary Shaping File X (S-X) has a length of 19mm
providing excellent access in restricted areas. This file has a
D0 diameter of 0.19mm of the partially active tip. 14 mm of
cutting blades and D14 diameter of 1.2mm. The S-X has a
much faster taper from D0 to D9 as compared to the other
two shaping files. At approx D6, D7, D8, D9 the cross-
sectional diameters are equivalent to 0.5mm, 0.7mm,
0.9mm and 1.1mm respectively. These files are used to
optimally shape canals into shorter roots and relocate canals
away from external root concavities and give more shape as
desired in the coronal aspect in longer roots.

16. S-1 and S-2 Files
S-1 and S-2 have D0 diameter of 0.17mm and 0.20mm diameters
with partially active tip and their maximal full diameters of
1.2mm each. Each shaping file has 14mm of cutting blades. These
files have increasingly larger tapers allowing each instrument
to engage, cut and prepare a specific area of the canal.
S-1 helps in preparing coronal ⅓ of the canal whereas S-2
enlarges and prepares the middle ⅓. Both the shaping files
prepare the ⅔ of the coronal, preparing and enlarging the ⅓ of
the apical.
The shaping files increase flexibility, Cutting
Efficiency and reduces the number of Recapitulations needed
to achieve the length, especially in tight and curved canals. It also
helps in reducing Torsional Loads, Fatigue and Breakage

17. Finishing Files
The finishing files F-1, F-2, F-3 have been developed to address the
variations in cross-sectional diameters that canals exhibit in their apical
⅓(s). The finishing files have the D0 diameters of 0.20mm, 0.25mm, and
0.30mm. Between D0 and D3 the taper differs from 0.7mm, 0.8mm and
0.9mm respectively. From D4 to D14 the files have decreased taper to
increase flexibility. To improve its flexibility F-3 has reduced core as
compared to other tapers. These are designed to optimally finish the
apical ⅓, they too subtly and progressively expand and shape the middle
⅓ of the canal. Generally, only one finishing file is required to finish the
apical ⅓ of the canal. It is selected according to the curvature and cross-
sectional diameter.
Protapers have a convex triangular cross-section that reduces the
contact area between the file and dentine. The cutting efficiency has
been balanced by the pitch and the helical angle.
Generally, only 3 protaper files are required to produce a fully tapered
canal that exhibits uniform shape over length.

18. V Taper
V Taper Rotary File System has three file series for different canal
shapes i.e Large, Medium and Small canals.
V Taper gives the deeper apical shapes, conservative coronal
preparations, natural-shaped canals than better stimulate the original
anatomy. It also gives in better access for irrigating, cleaning and 3-D
obturation. It has reduced overhead and inventory with better
productivity.
V Taper eliminates ‘taper lock’, it’s cross-section gives the best deep-
hole reaming in the root canals. It is one of the specially made Niti files
that reduces the risk of breakage with a short handle for better
visibility and access.
The performance of the V Taper System is easier, safer, more
efficient and cheap as compared to other NiTi Rotary files. These files
help in carrying out the best root canals for molars and premolars with
just 2-3 files.

19. Quantec
Quantec files are positioned in such a way that it opens the
orifice and it allows the irrigant to permeate the canal. The tapers
of the linework on different areas of the canal, such as the larger
taper work towards the orifice whereas the smaller tapers work
easily towards the apex. These files tend to work more efficiently
at the coronal third of the canal.
Quantec NiTi file systems have a taper from 0.02mm through
0.06mm with ISO tip sizes. The quantec flare series have tapers
from 0.08mm, 0.10mm and 0.12mm of tip size.
The files are designed in such a way that the rake angle of the
taper helps in slightly shaving the dentine rather than scraping it
off. The flute design of the file has a 30° helical angle making it
larger distal to cutting blades. The wide radical lands help in
preventing the crack formation in blades and aid in deflecting the
instrument around the curvature.

20. There are two tip designs of Quantec files i.e
 SC - Safe Cutting Tip
 LX - Non-Cutting Tip

21. SC - Safe Cutting Tip is designed for small, tight canals,
narrow curvature, and calcified canals. Then the tip
approaches the curve, a balance takes place between the
file deflections and cutting.
LX - Non-Cutting Tip act as a pilot in the canal and
deflecting around severe curvature in less constriction of
canals. These files are recommended for enlarging the body
and coronal segments and managing the delicate apical
region
These increasing size of the tapers from 0.08, 0.10 and 0.12
with tip sizes of 150 25 are designed such to quickly and
safely shape the coronal third of the canal. The varying sizes
of taper are used to prepare single canal

22. Golden - Mediums (Intermediate File)
The introduction of these files was to avoid the
errors such as ledging, zipping, transportation of
apical foramen and perforation which eventually
resulted from uncontrolled dentine removal. These
files played an important role in providing smoother
progress.
These files are numbered as 12,17,22,27,32 and 37.
These files are a part of flexo file range.

23. K3 FILE SYSTEM
K3 File System was designed by Dr. John and Dr. Mc. Spadden.
These taper files are available in size numbers through length, though
they are fixed with taper size of 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06.
0.02 taper instruments come in sizes, No. 15 through No. 60 and 21, 25
and 30mm lengths. Similarly, for 0.04 and 0.06 taper instruments comes
in sizes of No. 15 through No. 60 and 21, 25 and 30mm lengths.
The positive rake angle provides a more effective cutting and the core
diameter enhances the flexibility throughout the length of the
instrument. It has a safe ended tip. The instrument prevents the
screwing effect according to the variable pitch. The proportion of core
diameter and the outer diameter is greater at tip hence making it
stronger at the tip. As the fluting moves up the taper the greater flute
depth increases with flexibility along with strength

24. K Files are made up of a wire of cutting into a tapered
instrument ending at the tip giving its tip a square cross-
section. These can be used in filling action or in reaming
action. When the file is locked inside the canal the clockwise
rotation it unwinds and gives ductile type fracture whereas
in anti-clockwise rotation it leads to sudden brittle
fracture.
K Reamers have a triangular cross-section with loose
spirals around the flute. They have a reaming motion. These
are used to ream canals, they cut the canals by inserting
into the canal by twisting clockwise one quarter to half turn
and then withdrawing
i.e penetrating, rotating and retracting

25. K - Flex File
K - Flex Files has a cross-section of rhomboid shape and has
more flexibility because of the twisted and series of
alternate sharp cutting edges. It has obtuse non-cutting
edges which increase the cutting efficiency as compared to
other K-Files. These files work the best for the debris
removal, the obtuse angles of rhombus create anger that
helps in removing the debris to a large extent. It
also reduces the danger of dentinal filling in the canal.

26. Flexo File
Felxo File has a cross-section of triangular shape
which gives a sharper cutting edge. These files are
made up of stainless steel and do not have a cutting
tip. These files have 29 spirals that gives more
rooms for the removal of the debris.
The stainless steel file gives extreme
flexibility and resists fracture. The cutting angle is
30° at the tip and 45° at the working end.

27. Twisted Files
Twisted Files are the first NiTi fluted files that
were manufactured by plastic deformation. It has a
sizing tip from 25 to 50 and tapers from 0.04mm to
0.12mm. It is made from R - Phase™ technology. In
these files, the NiTi alloys are twisted instead of
being ground

28. Self Adjusting Files
Self Adjusting Files are designed with a hollow adaptive design with the
help of Laser Miller Niti Lattice and Cardiac Stents. The abrasive design
has the ability to become extremely flexible, pliable and adaptive. It
does not impose its shape on the canal rather it complies with the
canal’s original shape. These are elastically compressible, thin-walled
pointed cylinder with 1.5mm in diameter with NiTi lattice. These files
are capable to achieve complete 3D root canal shaping and cleaning. SAF
applies continuous pressure along the entire circumference of the root
canal wall. It has an excellent adaptation to irregular canal anatomy.

29. NeoEndo Files
NeoEndo Files is a combination of Shape and Controlled Memory.
It utilizes a heat treatment property which makes it a tough
file with unique flexibility. The flutes of the files do not open up
when the stress level is reached. It has a triangular cross-section.
NeoEndo Files should be used gently without exerting pressure.
While using NeoEndo Files the canals should be irrigated properly
before engaging the files. These files are taken passively to the
point of resistance and then are brushed out from the canal.
These files come in various sizes for narrow, medium and wide
canals with different sizes and taper sizes.

30. WaveOne Single File System
WaveOne NiTi Single File System is specially designed as it works
in a reciprocal motion in a reversed balanced force action.
These files are manufactured with M-Wire technology improving
strength which helps it to resist cyclic fatigue. The files have
a modified convex triangular cross-section at the tip end as well
as in the coronal end. Hence improving the flexibility. The tips
help in following the canal curvature accurately.
These files come in three sizes i.e Small files with ISO 21 with a
continuous taper of 6%, Primary files with ISO 25 with an apical
taper of 8% which reduces towards the coronal end and Large files
with ISO 40 with an apical taper of 8% that reduces towards the
coronal end.

31. Hero Shaper
Hero Shaper is micro mega NiTi files that were initially designed with a slightly
negative rake angle and were neutral. But the advancement of NiTi files and they
were redesigned with a positive rake angle hence giving them a nice cutting
efficiency. It was originally known as Hero 642 which has now been renamed as
Hero Shaper.
Hero Shaper comes in two sizes with various lengths and colours. It comes in red,
blue and yellow in colour. It comes in two flute lengths i.e 12mm and 16mm with
21mm, 25-29mm and 21-25mm. It comes in two taper sizes of 0.06 and 0.04.
Red denotes n 25, blue denotes n30 and yellow denotes n20.
Hero Shaper work on up and down movement with circumferential fillings. It
irrigates the canal between the passage of successive instruments. Files have 3
edged tips with positive rake angle and big inner core for excellent resistance of
breakage. These instruments unwind to prevent fracture.
Hero Shapers have better-centring ability as compared to other files.
The cross-section of Hero Shaper is similar to H-files but without radical lands.
These files have elasticity in rotation with high flexibility.

32. HyFlex Rotary Files
Hyflex Rotary Files works on the property of thermo-mechanical
treatment. It retains its shape after bending. It has good superior
canal tracking ability. It regains its shape after sterilization. These
files are used to enlarge the canal to prepare it for irrigation and
obturation in continuous rotation motion or if required in
reciprocal motion as well. The files are available in different sizes
depending on the tip size of the file. It also has colour codes to
indicate the degree of the taper. The new NiTi heat-treated files
are manufactured making it fracture-resistant and flexible. These
files can be used multiple times and can be restored during
autoclaving.
Hyflex Files are of various types.

33. Hyflex™ EDM NiTi Files
These files belong to the 5th generation of the root canal
files. In the process of making of Hyflex ™ EDM files, the
surface material evaporates when the spark is generated.
Hence, making the file stronger and fracture-resistant.
These properties help in reducing the number of files
required during the cleaning and shaping of the root canal
treatment keeping the root canal anatomy intact.

34. Hyflex™ CM NiTi Files
Hyflex™ Controlled Memory Files are manufactured in a process
that controls the material’s memory. These are extremely flexible
files, enabling the ability to follow the anatomy of the root canal
very closely, reducing the risk of ledging, transportation or
perforation. They can be bent and are very useful for the root
canals with abrupt curvatures. This property of the file
to reshape it according to the need of the curvature helps in root
canal treatment plus it can be straightened by heat treatment. It
also strengthens the file making it resistant to cyclical fatigue.

35. Hyflex™ GPF NiTi Files
These files ensure the optimal shaping of the glide path due
to the controlled memory.

36. Hyflex™ NT NiTi Rotary Files
These files are designed for specific clinical usage such as
calcified canals, straight canals, retreatments and removing
GP. They are available in two taper variation i.e 0.06 and
0.04 with 21mm, 25mm and 31mm length.

37. Buy the Endodontic Instruments from VitalTicks Pvt. Ltd at
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