Kreena Patel looks at the instrumentation and techniques making endodontics more practical, predictable and cost-effective in daily practice.
As an endodontist, I want to really try to encourage general dental practitioners who are still primarily using hand files to see how the latest mechanical endodontic file systems, and Waveone Gold from Dentsply Sirona in particular, can make endodontic treatment much easier and more predictable.
One of the key factors to predictable treatment outcomes in endodontics is effective instrumentation. Stainless steel hand files remain an essential and important part of root canal treatment when it comes to the creation of the initial glide path. However, working primarily with hand files can have several disadvantages, mainly due to the lack of flexibility of larger sizes, which can lead to procedural errors such as canal transportation and ledging.
For those lacking confidence in root canal treatment, using a reciprocating file system such as Waveone Gold can make preparation of the root canal faster, safer and more predictable. It also can help to reduce chairside time and allows more time for disinfection with irrigants and subsequent obturation of the entire root canal space. It takes the stress out of canal preparation and makes treatment more relaxing for dentists and patients.
Strength and flexibility
Manufactured from nickel titanium, Waveone Gold files are heat treated to significantly improve their strength and flexibility. This in turn makes them more resistant to cyclic fatigue.
Waveone Gold’s flexibility and lack of shape memory means the file can be slightly pre-curved, unlike hand and rotary files. This is of particular benefit when access is restricted in the posterior region of the mouth. Thanks to its reciprocating motion it’s less likely to bind in the canal and subsequently less inclined to fracture.
A real advantage of Waveone Gold for general dentists is the reduction in the number of files now needed to complete treatment. Using only a simple one- or two-file clinical sequence for the majority of cases saves time and helps reduce overall costs, ensuring general dentists provide cost effective high quality endodontic treatment.
Support and education
There are many advantages of switching from hand files to reciprocating endodontics, but I appreciate that this can be a big step for many GDPs who haven’t used them before. Dentsply Sirona is committed to supporting GDPs to have the confidence to take on straightforward endodontic treatment, not only by delivering high-performing materials and equipment, but also through quality education courses via the Dentsply Sirona Academy.
Waveone Gold is a simple, safe and efficient system that can save both time and money, whilst making endodontic treatment more predictable. Endodontic treatment can be challenging but Waveone Gold helps to take the stress out of cleaning and shaping.
To find out more about the Dentsply Sirona extensive range of endodontic solutions, please visit dentsplysirona.com/endodontics or call 01932 838 338.
You can visit the online Dentsply Sirona Academy for a wide 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, all the solutions you need under one roof.
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