In part three of the series, associate dentist at Revive Dental Care, Dr Jonny Stevens, describes his experience of implementing a new, standardised rotary endodontic therapy.
Having qualified from university in 2014, I had already been introduced to using rotary filing systems and was able to have further hands-on with rotary endodontics during my foundation training.
As an associate trying to complete endodontics on remotely curved canals when working with hand files, has proved to be challenging, time consuming and unpleasant, for both me and my patients. I found that providing a root canal treatment of an adequate standard in a molar tooth could take up to two hours.
Earlier this year however all this changed, when I was given the opportunity to start using the new Waveone Gold reciprocating file system. Practice owner, Ben Atkins, has been working with Dentsply Sirona to provide all his practices with the best rotary system possible, on the premise that if, as clinicians, we become more confident with our endodontic skills, this will in turn provide better overall treatment for our patients.
Training
Initially, training was carried out by watching a series of videos online. This covered the basics of how to use the Waveone Gold system and provided practical tips on how to use it most efficiently.
Once completed this was followed by an hour-long group session for the dentists, involving a presentation from Dentsply Sirona. Again, the basics of how to use the file system were reiterated and how to connect the X-Smart IQ to the iPad in order to send patient data via email, straight into the patient’s notes. Ben was particularly keen to ensure this patient data was collected to help monitor and improve overall treatment quality.
Following the training, a day was booked in the diary to carry out a number of root treatments using Waveone Gold, in order for us to get a good feel for the system and to build our confidence.
The morning was very successful and dare I say it, almost enjoyable. Having never been the biggest endodontic enthusiast, I was able to complete three separate root canal treatments on a mix of premolars and molars. The kits organised by Dentsply Sirona were fantastic. Ben had arranged for each kit to have all the necessary equipment to complete a treatment with a rotary system, but also included added extras such as the Proglider file and SDR for restoring the base of cavities, which will be fantastic for our private endodontic cases.
Back in the clinic
Back in clinic, Hannah from Dentsply Sirona, kindly attended one of my patient treatments. This was to check I was happy with using the filing system and could successfully send the records created on the iPad to the patient notes.
Changing from hand files to a nickel titanium rotary system is going to allow me to grow as a young dentist and I think I will be enthusiastic about endodontics in the future. There are numerous benefits to the system, starting from a reduction in chair time of almost 50%. Also, the flexibility of the file instils confidence in the user and allows more difficult curved roots to be completed to a good standard. The simplicity of Waveone Gold must be its best feature. The combination of using, in the main, one primary file and obturating with one gutta percha point, cuts down chair time dramatically and creates great radiographic results.
The introduction of a single file system for endodontic treatment across the group has helped simplify the process and provide a more effective and efficient way for us to meet patient needs.
To find out more about the extensive range of endodontic solutions, materials and equipment, please visit dentsplysirona.com or call us on 01932 853 422.
You can also access a range of education resources, video tutorials, courses and CPD webinars at dentsplysirona.com/ukeducation.
Earn Dentsply Sirona Rewards on all your endodontic solution purchases at dentsplysirona.com.
Facebook: @dentsplysirona.uk
Twitter: @DENTSPLY_UK
