A patient’s tooth infection cannot be treated successfully without dentists’ help and their dental surgical instruments, of course. For treating dental infections, root canals are complex procedures. But the role of endodontic instruments in dentistry makes these procedures go smoother.
In the world of endodontic instruments, there are many dental instruments used for root canal procedures. As time flies, research and technology become more advance. As a result, it keeps manufacturing better oral surgery instruments to treat endodontic issues with great comfort and precision.
The shaping and cleaning of a root canal is a sensitive technique that may be vulnerable to complications such as:
• Apical transportation
• Ledge Formation
• Perforations due to morphological variations, root canal anatomy, and over-instrumentation.
Without any doubt, the biggest question regarding dental instruments is which instrument is most suitable for endodontic practices. Unfortunately, there is no perfect answer to this question. Because a considerable list of instruments is used in endodontic practices, and each has a specific task to perform.
Depends on the patient's clinical situation, one or more instruments may be used. However, it also depends on endodontic methodology. Some of the techniques are simpler, and some are more conservative than the previous.
In a broad list of endodontic instruments, dental files are the most practical ones and are commonly used in endodontic practices. But, we can’t ignore the role of explorers, reamers, Excavators, and Endodontic Burs. So, here is a summary of some commonly used instruments in endodontic practices, specifically in the Root Canal procedure.
Commonly Used Endodontic Instruments in Dentistry
Have a look at the following endodontic surgery instruments that you must know!
Reamers and Files
In the root canal procedure, these instruments are used to make the canal more accessible. The files and reamers are available in different sizes and patterns. So, dentists should use them according to their measurements, from small to large. These instruments must start with a smaller number and use each larger size next to straying from the root canal and prevent jamming. Files have spiral cutting edges that also remove dentinal tissues from the apex.
Endodontic Burs
These burs are also available in different sizes as reamers and files are manufactured. These instruments are designed to open the affected teeth in order to make a gateway for canals.
Root Canal Explorer
The dental explorer is designed to locate the teeth hole after opening with a bur. It looks like a pointed needle comes with a stainless steel handle. Additionally, these instruments also help to reduce the calcified plaque in the mouth.
As we know, the natural dental anatomy structure dictates the places for root canals. But, dystrophic calcifications, pulp stones, and restorations may alter the encountered configuration. So, these instruments are also helpful in locating orifices, thus easily removes calcification.
Excavators
Dental Excavators are used to removing the tissues that reside in the inner portion of the tooth. These dental instruments are shaped like root canal explorers, but both have different sharpness and size. The excavators are also razor-sharp and longer in design.
Barbed Broach
It plays a key role in removing the dead tissues from teeth. This root canal endodontic instrument is recognized as a broach. It also helps in removing the amount of inflamed tissues. It is manufactured from a tapered round shaft to lift up the portion at a right angle. So, it helps in the elevation of barbs to engage the pulp tissues. Thus, it is effective in removing the infected tissues from the canal. Mostly, the broach of larger size is suitable that will fit loosely and freely in the canal.
Gates-Glidden Drills
These dental drills are used to open the canal to get a broad view if the infection is inhabited in molars. It is also suitable for root canal retreatment, as it also removes the gutta-percha from the patient’s tooth.
The success of endodontic practices depend on the easy and complete access to root canals and pulp chamber. So, a Dentist can easily shape, clean, and perform perfect obturation of the root canal system. The preparation of the middle third and cervical root canals is a significant step for improving anatomical diameter. It also gives endodontists better control of the instrument in the third apical.
That’s why collectively, all instruments mentioned above play their respective role and help the dentists achieve the best endodontic outcomes. These instruments help in apical transportation, decreasing possibilities of ledge formation, file fracture, and perforation.
