This presentation describes all the LATEST FILE SYSTEMS used in cleaning and shaping of Root Canal Systems

1. FILES USED IN CLEANING
AND SHAPING
DR. SURABHI SOUMYA
SECOND YEAR POST GRADUATE STUDENT

2. INTRODUCTION..
• What are files??
Files are instruments that enlarge
canals with apico-coronal insertion
and withdrawal motions. (Cohen)

3. • Carbon steel - stainless steel - NiTi
• First produced by Kerr manufacturing company in early 1900s, hence the
name K-files
• DESIGN ELEMENTS:
• K-file and Ni-Ti rotary instruments follow certain design principles that
relate to drills and reamers used for work in wood and metals .
• Design elements such as tip, flutes and cross sections are considered
relevant for files and reamers used in rotary motions.

4. • Tip designs:
• 2 main functions:
i. guide the file into the canal
ii. aid the file to penetrate deeper into the canal
• The cutting ability of the file tip:
i. angle and radius to its leading edge
ii. proximity of the flute to its actual tip end
Note: Tip design effects - file control, efficiency and outcome in shaping of
the rcs
• Instrument tips have been classified as:
i. cutting
ii. non cutting (batt tips) - eg Ni -Ti rotary files
iii. partially cutting

5. • Longitudinal and cross sectional design:
• Helical angle: The angle formed by the
cutting edge with the long axis of the file.
• Rake angle: The angle formed by the
leading edge through the Point of contact
with the radicular wall.
Ø If 90 degrees= neutral
Ø -VE = Scraping
Ø +VE= cutting

6. • Cutting angle: Formed by the leading edge of the file and a tangent to the
radicular wall in the point of contact.
• Clearance angle: Corresponds to the cutting angle at the trailing edge of the
file. (Reciprocating action becomes cutting angle)
• The sum of cutting angle and rake angle is 90 degrees.
• Pitch: Distance b/w a point on the leading edge and the corresponding point
on the adjacent leading edge.
Ø K-files: constant pitch, Ni-Ti rotary files: variable pitch
• Taper: The amount the file diameter increases each mm along its working
surface from the tip towards the file handle, can be constant or variable.

7. HAND AND ENGINE-DRIVEN INSTRUMENTS
• Hand instruments have been in clinical use for almost 100 years, and they still
are an integral part of cleaning and shaping procedures.
• A norm established by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the
International Standards Organization (ISO) sets the standards for broaches, K-
type files and reamers, Hedström files, and paste carries; however, the term ISO-
normed instruments currently is used mainly for K-files
• One important feature of these instruments is a defined increase in diameter of
0.05mm or 0.1mm, depending on the instrument size

9. HAND INSTRUMENTS
• Broaches
• Rasps
• Files
• Reamers

10. BROACHES:
• 2 Types:
• Smooth
• Barbed (ADA sp No. 6)
• They are manufactured by cutting sharp,
coronally angulated barbs into metal wire
blanks.
• Produced in a variety of sizes and color codes.
• Uses:
1. to remove vital pulp from root canals,
2. and in cases of mild inflammation, they work
well for severing pulp at the constriction level
in toto.
3. for removing materials (e.g., cotton pellets)
from canals.

11. RASPS
• ADA specification No. 63
• Similar design to barbed broach except in
taper and barb size.
• Used to extripate the pulp tissue.

12. Broach
• Extends to half of its core diameter,
making it a weaker instrument
• Less taper (0.007-0.010 taper/mm)
• Barbs are very fine and longer
Rasps
• Extend to one third of the core, so
not as weak as barbed broach
• More taper (0.015-0.120
taper/mm)
• Barbs are blunt, shorter and
shallower

13. REAMERS
• K type instruments ( manufactured
by Kerr company)
• Used to ream the canals
• They have traingular blanks and
lesser number of flutes (1/2 to 1
per mm) than files (11/2 to 2 1/2
per mm)

14. • Though the no of flutes are less but the cutting efficiency of reamers are same
as that of files
• They remain to be self centered, so less chances of transportation
• They cut by inserting into the canal, twisting clockwise one quarter turn to half
turn and then withdrawing i.e, penetration, rotation and retraction.

15. FILES...
• Commonly used files:
• K-File
• K-Flex file
• Flexo file
• Flex-R file
• Headstorm file
• Safety H-file
• S file

16. K-FILES
• K-files were manufactured by
twisting square or triangular
metal blanks along their long
axis, producing partly
horizontal cutting blades
• K files have 11/2-2 1/2 cutting
blades per mm of their
working end
• Tighter twisting of the files
increases the number of flutes
in files (more than reamer)

17. • Triangular cross section of the files shows
superior cutting and increased flexibility than
the files or reamers with square blank
• They can be precurved but only with strong
overbending; this subjects the file to excess
strain and should be done carefully

18. • Disadvantages:
• less cutting efficiency
• Extrusion of debris periapially

19. K-FLEX FILES:
• Manufactured by Kerr in 1982
• Since the square blanks decreased
the instrument flexibilty, hence K-
files came in with a rhomboidal
cross section.
• Two acute angles- increased
sharpness and cutting efficiency
• Two obtuse angles- more space for
debris removal
• Used in filing motion.

20. FLEXO FILES
• Similar to K-Flex files except that they have traingular cross section,
which provides them better flexibility and fracture resistance
• Made up of Ni-Ti
• More flexibilty, but less cutting efficiency

21. TRIPLE FLEX FILES
• Made of stainless steel
• Triangular in cross section
• More flutes than reamers but lesser
than K-files

22. FLEX-R-FILES / ROANE FILES
• Made by removing the sharp
cutting edges from the tip of the
instrument
• This design reduces the ledge
formation, canal transportation and
other procedural accidents when
used in balance force technique
• Triangular in cross section
• They are made up of Ni-Ti
• Cut in counter clockwise rotary
motion

23. HEDSTRÖM FILES
• H-files have flutes which resembles successively
triangles set one on another.
• They are made by cutting the spiral grooves into
round , tapered steel wire in the same manner
as wood screws are made.
• This makes it efficient only for transational
strokes as the edges face the handle of the
instrument
• Rotational working movements are strongly
discouraged because of the possibility of
fracture.
• H files have positive rake angle

24. • Uses:
1. Hedström files up to size #25 can be efficiently used to relocate canal
orifices and, with adequate filing strokes, to remove overhangs.
2. Similarly, wide oval canals can be instrumented with Hedström files
as well as with rotary instruments.
• On the other hand, overzealous filing can lead to considerable thinning
of the radicular wall ands strip perforations
• As with stainless steel K-files, Hedström files should be single-use
instruments.

25. ADVANTAGES
• Better cutting efficiency
• Push debris coronally
DISADVANTAGES
• Lacks flexibility
• Tend to fracture
• Aggressive cutter
Safety Head storm files: This file has non cutting
safety side along the length of the blade which
reduces the chances of perforation.
The non cutting side is directed to the side of canal
where cutting is not required.

26. S FILES:
• Called S-Files because of its
cross sectional shape
• Produced by grinding which
makes it stiffer than H-files
• Designed by two spirals for
cutting blades forming double
helix design.
• Good cutting efficiency in either
filling or reaming action, thus
these files can also be classified
as Hybrid design.

27. C+ FILES
• Used for difficult and calcified
canals
• They have better buccaling
resistance than Kfiles
• Available in size 8,10 and 15
which have a length of 18, 21
and 25 mm

28. ENGINE DRIVEN INSTRUMENTS
• Gates-Glidden Burs
• Flexogates
• Peeso Reamers

29. GATES-GLIDDEN DRILLS
• GG instruments are available in
various lengths and made by
several manufacturers.
• Each instrument has a long, thin
shaft with parallel walls and a short
oval cutting head.
• Because of their design and physical
properties,GG drills are side-cutting
instruments with safety tips;
• Safety design of GG is that its
wekest part lies at the junction of
shank and shaft of the instrument.

30. • GG instruments are manufactured in a set and numbered 1 to 6 (with
corresponding diameters of 0.5 to 1.5 mm);the number of rings on the
shank identifies the specific drill size.
• They can be used to cut dentin as they are withdrawn from the canal
(i.e., on the outstroke)
• However, when misused, GG drills can dramatically reduce radicular
wall thickness and result in perforation.
• GG instruments should be used only in the straight portions of the
canal, and they should be used serially and passively.

31. • Gates Glidden drills may be used
safely and to their fullest potential at
750 to 1500 rpm.
• They can be used in both step back
and crown down preparation.
• Uses:
i. For coronal flaring
ii. During retreatment cases or post
space preparation
iii. During instrument removal

32. FLEXOGATES
• Modified GG
• Made up of NiTi and have non cutting tip
• More flexible and used for apical
preparation
• Can be rotated continuously in a
handpiece through 360 degree.
• Advantages:
i. Increased debris removal
ii. Smoother and faster canal preparation
iii. Less fatigue to clinician
iv. Fexible, hence used in curved canals.

33. PEESO REAMERS
• They are manufactured from stainless steel by
milling similar to GG drills
• They are used mainly for post space preparation
• They have safe-ended non cutting tip
• Tip diameter varies from 0.7 to 1.7 mm( size 1 to 6)
• Rotational speed - 800 to 1200 rpm
• Cutting flutes are more parallel and longer
compared to GG but shorter than the 16 mm ISO-
normed hand files.

34. • Disadvantages:
• Stiff instruments
• Do not follow canal curvature and
may cause perforation while cutting
laterally.

35. NICKEL-TITANIUM ROTARY INSTRUMENTS
• Ni-Ti alloy allows the instruments to flex more than SS instruments
before exceeding their elastic limit, thus reducing the procedural
errors.
• Ni-Ti was developed by Buchler
• Also known as NiTinol
• First use of NiTi in endodontics was reported in 1988 by Wallia et al
when a 15 number NiTi file was made from orthodontic wire.

36. ADVANTAGES
• Shape memory
• Super elasticity
• Low modulus of
elasticity
• Good resiliency
• Corrosion resistance
• Softer than SS
DISADVANTAGES
• Poor cutting efficiency
• Donot show signs of
fatigue before their
fracture
• Poor resistance to
fracture as compared to
ss
Unlike the K-files, which are manufactured by twisting, NiTi files have
to be grounded for their manufacturing because of the presence of
super elasticity and shape memory.

37. CLASSIFICATION:
Older Classification (Cohen 9th and 10th ed)
• Three design groups :
1. group I, the LightSpeed;
2. group II, rotary instruments with #.04 and #.06 tapers, which includes the
ProFile and many other models;
3. and group III, rotary instruments with specific design changes, such as the
ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer) and RaCe (FKG, La Chaux-de-Fonds,
Switzerland).

38. • According to Cohen (11th ed):

39. GROUP 1:
• Passive preparation (reaming action rather than cutting dentine)
• Presence of radial lands
• The first commercially available system was Profile (Dentsply Tulsa),
Light speed and GT Rotaries and have radial land which are common in
cross section.
• These are created by three round excavations, also known as U shape.
• The design of the instrument tip and also the lateral file surface (radial
land) guides the file as it progresses apically.

40. LIGHT SPEED INSTRUMENTS:
• Developed by Dr. Steve Senia and Dr. William Wildey in the early
1990s
• Also known as LS1, was introduced as an instrument different
from all others because of its long, thin, noncutting shaft and 0.25
to 2 mm anterior cutting part.
• The currently available LSX instruments (Sybron Endo) follows the
same design but is manufactured not by milling but by stamping
process.
• A full set of LS1 consists of 25 instruments in sizes #20 to #100,
including half sizes (e.g., 22.5, 27.5 , 32.5).
• Half size are color coded as full ones with the only difference that
half size has white or black rings on their handles.
• LSX doesnt have half sizes and a set cosists of instruments in sizes
#20 to #80

41. • Cutting heads of light speed systems had 3 different geometric shapes:
i. size 20-30 - short non cutting tips at 75 degree cutting angle.
ii. Size 32.5 - longer non cutting tip at 33 degree cutting angle
iii. size 35- 100 - longer, non cutting tip with 21 degree cutting angle
• Cutting heads basically have 3 radial lands with spiral shaped grooves in
between.
• The recommended working speed for LightSpeed instruments is 1500 to
2000 rpm, and they should be used with minimal torque.
• Because of the relatively thin non cutting shaft, LightSpeed instruments
are considerably more flexible than any other instrument in the market.

42. • In addition, cyclic fatigue is lower than with all other
instruments, allowing the use of higher rpm speeds.
• All LightSpeed instruments feature a noncutting round tip;
tip length increases with instrument size to compensate for
decreasing flexibility.
• The LightSpeed is a widely researched NiTi rotary
instrument, and most reports have found that the system
has a low incidence of canal transportation and preparation
errors.
• Loss of working length was minimal in most of these
studies.

44. PRO-FILE
• Introduced by Dr. Ben Johnson in 1994.
• In contrast to the LightSpeed, with its thin, flexible shaft, the
ProFile has an increased taper compared with conventional
hand instruments.
• The ProFile first was sold as a series of 29 hand instruments in
#.02 taper, but it soon became available in #.04 and #.06
conicity.
• The tips of the ProFile Series 29 rotary instruments (Dentsply–
Tulsa) had a constant proportion of diameter increments (29%).

45. • Subsequently, instruments with even greater tapers and 19 mm
lengths were introduced, and recently a #.02 variant was added.
• Cross sections of a ProFile instrument show a U-shape design with
radial lands and a parallel central core.
• Lateral views show a 20-degree helix angle, a constant pitch, and
bullet-shaped, non cutting tips.
• Together with a neutral or slightly negative rake angle, this
configuration ensures a reaming or scraping action on dentin rather
than cutting.
• Also, debris is transported coronally and is effectively removed from
the root canals.

46. • The recommended rotational speed for ProFile instruments is
150 to 300 rpm, and to ensure a constant rpm level, the
preferred means is electrical motors with gear reduction rather
than air-driven motors.
• ProFile instruments shaped canals without major preparation
errors in a number of in vitro investigations.
• A slight improvement in canal shape was noted when size #.04
and #.06 tapered instruments were used in an alternating
fashion.
• Loss of working length did not exceed 0.5 mm and was not
affected by the use of size #.06 instruments.

47. • Comparative assessment in vitro suggested that Pro file
prepared mesial canals in mandibular molars with less
transportation than K3 and RaCe
• A more recent addition to the profile family of instruments was
Vortex
• The major change lies in the non landed cross section whereas
tip sizes and tapers are similar to pre existing profiles , hence
these files are placed in Group 2

49. GT & GTX FILES
• The Greater Taper file, or GT file was introduced by Dr. Steve Buchanan in 1994.
• This instrument also incorporates the U-file design and was marketed as Profile
GT
• The GT system was first produced as a set of four hand-operated files and later
as engine-driven files.
• The instruments came in four tapers (#.06, #.08, #.10, and #.12), and the
maximum diameter of the working part was 1 mm.
• This decreased the length of the cutting flutes and increased the taper.
• The instruments had a variable pitch and an increasing number of flutes in
progression to the tip; the apical instrument diameter was 0.2 mm.
• Instrument tips were non cutting and rounded.

50. • The GT set subsequently was modified to accommodate a wider range
of apical sizes.
• The current set includes instruments of three apical diameters: 0.2,
0.3, and 0.4mm
• The tapers also were modified and now are available in #.04, #.06,
#.08 and #.10. In addition, accessory files with a #.12 taper are
available in sizes #35, #50, #70, and #90.
• The maximum diameter in these files is 1.5 mm, similar to that of a #6
GG.
• The recommended rotational speed for GT files is 350 rpm, and the
instrument should be used with minimal apical force to avoid fracture of the
tip.

51. • Studies on GT files found that the prepared shape stayed centered and was
achieved with few procedural errors.
• mCT comparisons showed that GT files machined statistically similar canal
wall areas compared with ProFile and LightSpeed preparations.
• These walls were homogeneously planed and smooth
• The more recently introduced GTX variant is maufactured from M wire alloy
type and doesnt appear to have significantly improves its physical properties
or shaping capacity.

53. K3
• In a sequence of design development by their inventor, Dr.
McSpadden, the Quantec 2000 files were followed by the Quantec SC,
the Quantec LX, and the current K3 system (all by SybronEndo ).
• The overall design of the K3 is similar to that of the ProFile, in that it
includes size #.02, #.04, and #.06 instruments.
• The most obvious difference between the Quantec and K3 models is
the K3’s unique cross-sectional design : a slightly positive rake angle
for greater cutting efficiency, wide radial lands, and a peripheral blade
relief for reduced friction.

54. • Unlike the Quantec, a two-flute file, the K3 features a third radial land
to help prevent screwing in
• In the lateral aspect the K3 has a variable pitch and variable core
diameter, which provide apical strength
• This complicated design is relatively difficult to manufacture, resulting
in some metal flash
• Like most other instruments the K3 features a round safety tip, but the
file is about 4mm shorter than other files (although it has the same
length of cutting flutes) because of the so called Axxess handle
• The instruments are coded by ring color and number

55. • Research with the K3 is limited because of its recent introduction,
but so far its shaping ability seems to be similar to that of the
ProTaper and superior to that achieved with hand instruments.

57. GROUP 2:
• Active cutting flute design
• Triangular cross section
• Radial lands are absent- hence more cutting efficacy
• This translates to a higher potential of preparation errors

58. PROTAPER UNIVERSAL
• The ProTaper system is based on a unique concept and comprises just six
instruments, three shaping files and three finishing files.
• This set is now complemented by 2 larger finishing files and a separate set of 3
rotataries tailored to retreatment procedure.
• These instruments were designed by Dr. Cliff Ruddle, Dr. John West, and Dr.
Pierre Machtou
• The cross section of the ProTaper is triangular and is variably tapered across its
cutting length.
• Recommended speed: 150-350 rpm

59. • They have a modified guiding tip which allows one to follow the canal better
• Variable tip diameter allows the file to have specific cutting action in defined area of the
canal without stressing the instrument in other sections
• Protaper file has a changing helical angle and pitch over their cutting blades which
reduces the instrument from screwing in to the canals
• Protaper file acts in active motion, which further increases its efficiency and reduces the
torsional strain
• The ProTaper system consists of 3 shaping and 3 finishing files

60. Sx
• No identification ring on its gold
colored handle
• Shorter length of 19 mm
• D0 = 0.19 mm, D14 = 1.2mm
• There is increase in taper up to D9
and then taper drops off up to D14
which increases its flexibility
• Use is similar to GG drills or orifice
shapers
S1
• Has purple identification ring on its
handle
• D0 is 0.185, D 14 is 1.20 mm
• Used to prepare coronal part

61. S2:
• Has white identification ring on its
handle
• D0 = 0.20 mm and D14 = 1.2 mm
• Used to prepare middle third of the
canal
F1
• Yellow identification ring
• D0 diameter and apical taper is 20
and 0.07

62. F2
• Red identification ring on
handle
• D0 diameter and taper is 25 and
0.08
• F3
• Blue colored ring on handle
• D0 diameter and taper is 30
and 0.09
• Each instrument has
decreasing percentage of
taper from D4 to D14
• This improves flexibility and
decreases the potential for
taper lock.
• The set is now complemented by 2 larger finishing
files F4 & F5
• F4 & F5 files have a tip diameter of 0.4 and 0.5 mm
respectively and tapers of 0.05 and 0.04 respectively.

64. • A newer version of this system called Protaper Next was introduced in 2013.
Current research suggests that mechanical properties of these instruments
manufactured from M wire are better than Protaper Universal. No data is
currently available on shaping outcomes and clinical results.
• In a study using plastic blocks, the ProTaper created acceptable shapes quicker
than GT rotary, ProFile, and Quantec instruments but also created somewhat
more aberrations.
• A study using µCT showed that the ProTaper created consistent shapes in
constricted canals without obvious preparation errors, although wide canals
may be insufficiently prepared with this system.

66. HERO 642, HERO SHAPER
• First-generation rotary systems had neutral or slightly negative
rake angles, while Second-generation systems were designed with
positive rake angles, which gave them greater cutting efficiency.
• HERO instruments (MicroMega, Besançon, France) are an
example of a second-generation system.
• Cross sections of a HERO instrument show geometries similar to
those of an H-file without radial lands
• Tapers of #.02, #.04, and #.06 are available in sizes ranging from
#20 to #45.
• The instruments are coded by handle color.

67. GUIDELINES:
• For easy canals:

68. • Average difficulty canals:
Canals with
average difficulty/
Red sequence

69. • Difficult canals. Yellow sequence

70. • The instruments are relatively flexible (the acronym HERO stands for
high elasticity in rotation) but maintain an even distribution of force
into the cutting areas.
• HERO instruments have a progressive flute pitch and a noncutting,
passive tip, similar to other NiTi rotary systems.
• Research with HERO files indicates a shaping potential similar to that
of the FlexMaster127 (Dentsply VDW,Munich) and the ProFile,
although in one study the HERO induced more changes in cross-
sectional anatomy.

72. FLEX MASTER (VDW DENTAL)
• Working length 21, 25, 31 mm and working part 16 mm
• It also features #.02, #.04, and #.06 tapers
Ø .04 and .06 used for crown-down phase
Ø .02 for safe apical enlargement
• FlexMaster Intro File
Ø For fast conical enlargement of the root canal orifice.
Ø 11 % taper
Ø 19 mm working length, 9 mm active working part
Ø ISO size 22 at the tip

73. • The cross sections have a triangular shape with sharp cutting edges
and no radial lands.
• This makes for a relatively solid instrument core and excellent cutting
ability.
• The overall manufacturing quality is high, with minimal metal flash
and rollover.
• The instruments are marked with milled rings on the instrument shaft;
the manufacturer provides a system box that indicates sequences for
narrow, medium-size, and wide canals.

75. • Recent studies indicate that the FlexMaster allows centered
preparations in both constricted and wider canals and that it
performed on par with other systems.
• Clinical studies confirmed that the FlexMaster showed superior
shaping characteristics compared with K-files.
• FlexMaster appeared to be less effective than RaCe in removing the
dye from the walls of simulated canals prepared to size #30 but
were more effective than Profile.

77. RACE, BIORACE AND BT RACE
• The RaCe was manufactured since 1999 by FKG and was later distributed in the
United States by Brasseler (Savannah, GA)
• The name, which stands for reamer with alternating cutting edges, describes
just one design feature of this instrument
• Light microscopic imaging of the file shows twisted areas (a feature of
conventional files) alternating with straight areas; this design reduces the
tendency to screw into the root canal
• Cross sections are triangular or square
• The surface quality of the RaCe has been improved by electropolishing, and the
two largest files (size #35, #.08 taper and size #40, #.10 taper) are also available
in stainless steel

78. • All of the instruments in the Race family feature an exclusive anti
screw-in design (alternating cutting edges), an electro-chemical polish
that improves resistance to fatigue and corrosion, greater flexibility
that allows the user to follow the canal’s curvatures, and a rounded
safety tip that ensures perfect centering of the instrument inside the
canal.

79. • The tips are round and non cutting , and the instruments are
marked by color-coded handles and milled rings.
• RaCe instruments have been marketed in various packages to
address small and large canals, recently they are sold as BioRaCe,
purportedly to allow larger preparation sizes, with an emphasis on
the use of 0.02 tapered instruments.
• Only recently have the results of in vitro experiments comparing
RaCe to other contemporary rotary systems become available.
• Canals in plastic blocks and in extracted teeth were prepared by
the RaCe with less transportation from the original curvature than
occurred with the ProTaper.

80. • BioRaCe instruments prepared S shaped canals in plastic blocks (to
size #40) similar to protaper and MTwo but were superior when
combined with S-Apex.
• A new variant BT RaCe, has been introduced and it incorporates
different tip designs as well as different sequences.

81. ENDOSEQUENCE:
• Produced by FKG in Switzerland and marketed in the US by Brasseler
• This instrument adheres to the conventional length of the cutting flutes, 16 mm,
and to large tapers .04 and .06, to be used in crown-down approach
• Heat treated NiTi allows for pre-bending

82. • Has a unique longitudinal design called ACP (Alternating wall Contact
Points) which reduces the torque requirements and keeps the files
centered in the canal.
Range of instrument
• Available in 0.04 and 0.06 taper
• The kit consist of following file
• Expeditor file (0.04 taper, # 17, 21mm length)
• 0.06 taper file
• 0.04 taper file
• Small (15-30)
• Medium (25-40)
• Large (35-50)
• Speed: Portable hand piece with speed 450-650 rpm.

84. TWISTED FILES:
• Sybron Endo in 2008 presented the first fluted NiTi files by plastic
deformation, a process similar to twisting process that is used to
produce ss K- files; the Twisted files.
• First and only file to employ unique and proprietary production
technology that achieves unrivalled strength combined with flexibility.
• A thermal process allows twisting during a phase transformation into
the so called R-Phase of NiTi.
• R-Phase thermal treatment technology optimises the properties of NiTi
files to give 70 % more flexibility and 2-3 times more resistance to cyclic
fatigue than any other rotating file.

85. • The instrument is currently
available with a size tip from
#25 to #40 and in tapers from
0.04 to 0.12.
• The unique production process
of these files results in superior
physical properties.
• Studies suggest that these files
have better fatigue resistance
compared to K3 instruments and
GTX instruments.

86. PROFILE VORTEX
• They are manufactured froM NiTi
• Two versions are available in the
market:
i. M-wire
ii. Blue wire (Vortex Blue)- greater
fatigue and torque resistance
• They have varying helical angles to
counteract the tendency of non
landed files to thread into the canal.
• Recommended speed: 500 rpm
• Available in sizes #15 to #50 and in
0.04 and 0.06 tapers

87. MTWO
• Originally sold in Itlay by Sweden e Martina in 2004
• The instrument has a two-fluted, S shaped cross section.
• The original strategy allowed for 3 distinct shaping approaches after the use
of a basic sequence with tip sizes from #10 to #25 and tapers from 0.04 to
0.06.
• MTWO is a well researched and cutting efficient instrument
• Clinically it is an example for the so called single length technique.

89. GROUP III- SPECIAL CASES
• WaveOne, Reciproc
• Self Adjusting Files
• Endo-Eze
• Sonic and Ultra sonic instruments

90. WAVEONE, RECIPROC
• A way to mitigate problems with continuous rotation is to return to
reciprocation.
• Two instruments specifically designed for reciprocation were brought
to the market:
i. WaveOne (Tulsa, Dentsply)
ii. Reciproc (VDW).

91. WAVEONE
• The new WaveOne NiTi file system from
DENTSPLY Maillefer is a SINGLE-use,
SINGLE-file system to shape the root
canal completely from start to finish.
• This technique requires a hand file
followed by one single WaveOne file to
shape the canal completely.
• WaveOne instruments are available in 3
tip sizes #21, #25 and #40 with tapers of
0.06 and 0.08 respectively

92. • They are manufactured using M-Wire technology, improving
strength and resistance to cyclic fatigue by up to nearly four
times in comparison with other rotary NiTi files.
• They work with a reverse cutting action.
• All instruments have a modified convex triangular cross-section
at the tip end and a convex triangular cross-section at the
coronal end, which improves the flexibility.

93. • The tips are modified to follow canal curvature accurately.
• The variable pitch flutes along the length of the instrument
considerably improve safety.
• WaveOne instruments single use.
• The plastic colour coding in the handle becomes deformed
once sterilised, preventing the file from being placed back
into the handpiece.
• The recommendation for single use has the added
advantage of reducing instrument fatigue, which is an even
more important consideration with WaveOne files, as one
file does the work traditionally performed by three or
more rotary NiTi files.

94. RECIPROC
• Reciproc have tips of #25, 40 and
#50 with tapers of 0.08, 0.06 and
0.05 respectively.
• Instrument length:
• 21 mm, 25 mm, 31 mm have a
short shaft of 11 mm enabling
better access to molars compared
to many other instruments which
have a shaft of 13 mm or longer.

95. • Non cutting tip
• Made of M-Wire technology
• RECIPROC® instruments have
radiograph visible depth markings
at 18, 19, 20 and 22 mm.
• Instrument length: 21 mm, depth
markings at: 18,19 and 20 mm
• Instrument length: 25 mm, depth
markings at: 18,19,20 and 22 mm
• Instrument length: 31 mm, depth
markings at: 18,19,20,22 and 24
mm

96. • Both instruments feature variable tapers that are largest towards
the tip.
• Reciproc is a two fluted file with a design similar to MTwo.
• Special motors are used for both systems to provide reciprocation
actions, with alternating counter clockwise and clockwise rotations
of 150 to 170 and 30 to 50 degrees respectively.
• Both files are machined with left leaning flutes (cutting direction-
clockwise)

97. • Disadvantage-
transportation of dentin
debris in the apical areas.

98. SELF ADJUSTING FILES

99. • Manufactured by Redent- Nova
• The file is really a cylinderical, hollow device designed as a thin
walled Ni-Ti lattice with a light abrasive surface
• Initial glide path is established with 20 K file to allow the insertion
of SAF files
• The file is compressed from its 1.5 mm diameter into dimensions
equivalent to those of #25 K-file
• Operated with a handpiece that generates in and out vibrations
(4000/min) and 0.4 mm amplitude

100. • The file is hollow which allows for continuos irrigation through the
file while its operation.
• In vitro studies show that these files make more wall contact as
compared to the other rotary files, resulting is better debridement
and antimicrobial efficacy.
• Shaping quality is also on par with the rotary instruments

104. ENDO-EZE
• Developed by ultradent, South Jordan, UT
• More recently introduced edition using a similar motion provided by
special equipment or an original gyromatic handpiece.
• The set has 4 engine driven instruments
• The sizes and tapers are #10 and #13, with tapers ranging from 0.02 to
0.04
• In this system, the use of SS hand instruments is used for the apical
third of the canal
• Preparation quality in curved canals appear to be infeior to NiTi
rotaries
• In straight canals, it performs similar to FlexMaster

107. RECENTLY INTRODUCED
• FKG - XP Endo Shaper and Finisher
• Tru Shape
• MM One
• Gentle files

108. XP- ENDO SHAPER
• Two technologies combined
• The XP-endo Shaper is the latest addition to the XP-endo
ranges.
• It is a combination of two cutting-edge technologies:
• Made with MaxWire® alloy, like the XP-endo Finisher, it
offers remarkable flexibility and fatigue resistance, and
the ability to progress within the canals with ease and
agility, expanding or contracting according to the canal
morphology.
• With an initial taper of .01, the XP-endo Shaper expands
once inside the canal, achieving a taper of at least .04.

110. • Advantages:
• Minimal stress is applied to the dentine walls and the risk of micro-
cracks in the dentine is minimised due to support from the spring
action against the walls.
• Micro-debris that are created are easily and efficiently removed,
thanks to the turbulence generated by the instrument and the
available space compared to instruments with a larger core diameter.
• Adaptation to canals irregularities
• Excellent resistance to cyclic fatigue.
• A gentle, non-aggressive and conservative treatment.

111. XP ENDO FINISHER
• Because of its small core size – ISO 25 in diameter –
and its zero taper, XP-endo Finisher benefits from
incredible flexibility and shows unparalleled
resistance to cyclic fatigue. In addition the file will
contact and clean the dentine but NOT change the
original shape of the canal
• ISO 25
• Taper: 0%
• Lengths: 21, 25, 31 mm
• Optimal speed: 1'000 rpm (minimum 800 rpm)
• Torque: 1 Ncm
• Delivered in a sterile blister. Single use

112. TRUSHAPE FILES
• 3D Conforming Files by Dentsply Sirona.
• The key to the TruShape difference lies in the
file’s unique S-shape design, allowing it to
conform to areas of the canal larger than the
nominal file size.
• As a result, TruShape 3D Conforming Files
allows to preserve more dentinal structure
while removing pulp and debris along the
entire root canal.
• Contact up to 75% of walls along the entire
canal.
• Create a predictable apical shape with up to
32% less transportation.
• Remove up to 36% less dentin with superior
overall shaping.

113. GENTLEFILES (ADIN DENTAL IMPLANT SYSTEMS
LTD, ISRAEL)

115. GENTLEFILE ROTARY FILE SYSTEM
• Ultra Flexible
• Shapes by Filing
• Operates at 6,500 rpm
• Taper 3% - 4% (preserve natural tooth
anatomy)
• Patent Design: File made of 3 medical
grade stainless wires
• The upper file section is made of a 3-
layer structure that provides the vertical
force required for efficient file
progression in the canal
• The apical file section is a bi-layer
structure with greater flexibility for
shaping extremely curved canals

116. • Gentlefile operates at 6,500 rpm creating
centrifugal force which enables Gentlefile to
abrade against canal walls to shape and to
achieve 3-dimensional cleaning.
• Its superior flexibility conforms to canal
anatomy, even irregular shapes and cleans the
entire canal wall.
• Ultra flexibility of Gentlefile avoids
transportation, ledging, perforation,
straightening in curved canals

117. ONE SHAPE
• By MicroMega
• Quality root canal shaping with one single
instrument with remarkable design.
• Rapid treatment: a root canal treatment is
approximately 4 times faster than a
conventional treatment.
• Overall duration of treatment shortened
and Simplified
• Single use and minimal fatigue along the
length of the file virtually eliminates the
risk of separation.

118. • The innovation: the instrument presents a
variable cross-section along the blade.
• One Shape principle: 3 different cross-section
zones.
• The first zone presents a variable 3-cutting-edge
design.
• The second, prior to the transition, has a cross-
section that progressively changes from 3 to 2
cutting edges.
• The last (coronal) is provided with 2 cutting
edges
• One Shape‘s flexibility assures a perfect respect
to the original canal path and curvature.
• The variable pitch of One Shape® reduces
instrument screwing effects.
• ABC (Anti Breakage Control) is a safety bonus:
the instrument will unwind to avoid separation.

119. • PROTOCOL FOR USE:
One shape files undergo a T Wire heat
treatment.
According to the manufacturers, T-Wire
treatment results in instruments with better
flexibility and cyclic fatigue resistance
compared with instruments manufactured
using traditional austenite NiTi alloy.

120. 2 SHAPE
• By MicroMega
• 2Shape is a sequence with 2
shaping files in continuous
rotation which have been
heat-treated using the T•Wire
technology.
• The instruments’ flexibility
provides user comfort and an
outstanding negotiation of
curvatures. The instruments
return to their initial shape
after each use.

121. SUMMARY

122. CONCLUSION
• A vast array of instruments, both hand-held and engine-driven, is
available for root canal preparation.
• Earlier, endodontic instruments were manufactured from stainless
steel which was later replaced by Ni-Ti instruments and since then the
instrument designs began to vary in terms of taper, length of cutting
blades, and tip design.
• Practitioners must always bear in mind that all file systems have
benefits and weaknesses. Ultimately, clinical experience, handling
properties, usage safety, and case outcomes, rather than marketing or
the inventor’s name, should decide the fate of a particular design.