The practicality of ongoing product innovations is a top priority for international dental specialist COLTENE. True to its motto «Upgrade Dentistry», the company has set itself the goal of continuously making the everyday work routines of dentists and their teams better, easier and more efficient. In addition to the development of new working aids and dental materials in cooperation with experts and research institutions from all over the world, extensive testing in dental practices therefore also plays a significant role.
Practice test for revisions and obturations
Over the past few months, nearly 600 dentists from across Europe took part in a large-scale practice test. Special attention was paid to the handling of endodontic revision treatment. In this case, the specifically developed Remover revision files manufactured by the COLTENE group of companies were used in combination with the GuttaFlow bioseal ceramic sealer.
Depending on their personal preferences, participants could choose between the Remover for the HyFlex or MicroMega filing systems. The revision files are available in size 30/.07 and in lengths of 19 and 23 mm. In next to no time, they remove insufficient gutta-percha fillings or similar older endodontic restorations. Due to their intricate shape, they adapt to the natural contour of the canal and efficiently loosen the existing dental material - without requiring any additional solvents. At the same time, the Remover files are gentle on the surrounding tooth structure and their non-cutting tip provides additional safety during preparation.
Accordingly, both endo specialists and beginners alike gained good experiences in the practice test. The survey results confirm the significant improvement in efficiency when switching from various hand files as well as existing conventional preparation files and revision systems to revision with a single Remover NiTi file: 42% of respondents rated the performance in removing obturation material as being «excellent», another 47% as being «good». In addition, more than half of the participants reported noticeable time savings compared to their previous approach. This is all the more remarkable as files from a wide variety of manufacturers and different methods of filing had been stated for previous use. After the test, over 85% indicated they would continue to use the file in the future.
During subsequent filling and sealing of the root canal with the GuttaFlow bioseal ceramic sealer, the rating of favoured properties varied. Among other things, the obturation material supports regeneration by raising the pH level in the root canal. Hydroxylapatite crystals are formed on contact with the body's own fluids. These in turn are natural components of bone and tooth tissue and thus support the healing process. The majority of respondents named ease of handling (60%) as the most outstanding feature of the obturation material. Rapid curing in only 12 to 16 minutes, good radiopaque visibility and flowability were also rated positively. Over 72% of the testers were very satisfied or satisfied with the overall result of treatment and 75% of the dentists can imagine continuing to use GuttaFlow bioseal in their practice in the future.
Quick answers to questions about application
For the optimal integration of the newly developed instruments and dental materials as well as other application issues in endodontics, COLTENE regularly offers continuing education, practice workshops and webinars. On www.coltene.com or one of the innovation leader's social media channels, interested dentists can find out about the latest trends and ideas from the dental world. This way, even endo beginners will already be able to achieve competent and efficient preparation after a short time.
