First, we should discuss that in any “top tools” list, the larger technologies make such a difference in successful root canals. Easily, my two top endodontic tools are my microscope and my CBCT. If you can make the investment in these two pieces of equipment, they will change your life. Not only will they help you in endo, but they will help you with all things dentistry. A microscope plus restorative dentistry equals a game changer! If you can implement this in your practice, you can easily set yourself apart from the competition.
The tools on this list can be found many places. Check with your local supplier, or even ebay to get the best price. I am not partial to, nor the spokesperson for, any one manufacturer — just know that I love these products, and they work for my practice and my patients.
1. N-Tralig Intraligamentary Syringe (Ligajet)
The key to a good root canal is getting my patient numb, REALLY NUMB. Patients don’t want pain, so in the end, numbness is how they are judging us as dentists. I want to take extra care to making sure they don’t feel a thang! When my patients tell me that they have trouble getting numb, I always respond with, “Don’t worry, I will ask my best friend to help us.”
The ligajet is hands down one of my favorite endodontic tools. I call her my best friend because she works like a champ every time. Together, we can get anyone numb, no matter their symptoms. So even if you are just doing restorative work, you can use this tool to get the job done. I use this gadget when my patients still have pain, even after I have given them my full standard dose of anesthesia. This gives a pressure PDL injection that, if done right, allows you to treat any hot tooth. It’s a must in my tool kit.
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2. Opaldam
Another major player on the list of endodontic tools is Opaldam. Why? Because making sure your rubber dam has no leaks is super important. An open area could let saliva into your working area. Or worse, it could allow bleach to leak into the patient’s mouth or allow saliva and bacteria back into the tooth.
Life isn’t perfect, and neither is your rubber dam, which is why I suggest using Opaldam to seal those areas up before you start. I do prefer this product over Oraseal, as I find that it adheres to the rubber dam much better. It flows like a flowable composite and light cures in place (you will need to dry the area as much as possible before use).
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3. Stropko Irrigator/Air Syringe
I use this for precise air control and for its safety. It reduces the air pressure that you would get from a normal air/water syringe, allowing me to blow air in the tooth without the chance of my patient developing an air emphysema. (Yes, obviously very important!)
[Click image for more product info]
4. C-Files
Let’s talk C files. Obviously, they’re very important endodontic tools, and I use them all the time. Once I get into a tooth, I negotiate the canal to working length, but usually I get stopped by some level of calcification. My C-files (or cutting files) help me bypass all that, and achieve patency.
I use the 6, 8, 10 and 15 C files so regularly that I don’t even bother to invest in the K-file any more. Both files look the same, but the C file has a “C” on the handle to differentiate it. They get me around blockages so that I can have a good glide path for my rotary files. Obtaining the appropriate working length is imperative in the success of your cases, and these files will save you from stopping short. I am not brand specific for these files, so just look for the best price.
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5. ProRinse Irrigation Needles (or Max-i-Probes)
I don’t know about you, but sometimes irrigating can make me nervous. Maybe that is because I never want to have another hypochlorite accident. That’s right, I said “another.” (I will share that case study to come…)
Previously, I used an end-vented needle for irrigating my sodium hypochlorite, and maybe you do, too. However, even if you’re careful, you can still have a hypochlorite accident. These ProRinse (or Max-i-probes) are the best because they are small enough to get deeper into the canal, plus they are side-vented to allow for the irrigant to flow back to the orifice. It’s a safety feature that I think is a must.
I love the 30 gauge (blue) needle, but I also use the 28 gauge (pink) when I need to differentiate between my irrigants.
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6. Calcium Hydroxide
When a tooth is infected, or just too difficult to finish in one visit, I medicate the tooth with calcium hydroxide. This is my inter-appointment medicament of choice. Ultracal by Ultradent has been my favorite go-to calcium hydroxide paste.
[Click image for more product info]
7. Visco Tip (by Vista) for Calcium Hydroxide
Your calcium hydroxide will need a special tip so that you can try to get the paste as far down the canal as possible. Ultradent does make their own tips, but this one from Vista is my favorite simply for its flexible tip.
[Click image for more product info]
8. ED2 Ultrasonic Tip Holders
These ED2 ultrasonic tip holders make your own ultrasonic tip, and… voila! You have an instant “endoactivator” for a fraction of the cost. My business partner suggested these because they work great, last forever and are super economical. Once you have the holders, you take the handle off of a 15 K file and insert it into the tip and use it with your piezo. You can get a set of these on ebay for about $40 dollars. (The sellers on these often change, so do a search on ebay for the latest results).
9. PermaFlo Purple Coronal Seal
It pains me when I see a patient come back to my office months after their root canal was done and they are still sitting in their temporary filling. Nobody wants to redo a root canal, including me!
Years ago, when I first saw this happening, I started placing an orifice barrier in these cases. Initially, I did it with a tooth-colored composite, but I soon realized it would be great to be able to distinguish easily between the tooth and the material in case a retreatment is ever necessary. This also would give the dentist a reference on where to stop inside the tooth. Again, Ultradent makes a great product and it’s my favorite color… purple!
[Click image for more product info]
10. Simile Opaque Composite
When it comes to endodontic tools, you can’t overlook the need for a good, natural-looking composite. I want my patients to have their crowns for as long as possible. I try to make the access as small as I can, but then I like to camouflage the area with a nice white opaque composite so you can’t even see where I had to make a hole in their crown. It took me some trial and error to find this one, but it tends to match most porcelain shades.
[Click image for more product info]
Hopefully, you’ve found this list of my preferred tools helpful.
Great list! I got few tips from it . Thank you
Glad to help Marina!
Great tips . RCT comes with lot of anxiety thank u for easing the anxiety by ur tips
My pleasure Payal! Let me know if there’s any specific endo topics you’d like covered.
It really very helpful!! Thank you so much Dr.Sonia.
I’m glad to help Nagarani!
-Sonia
Thank you so much for your advice.
How would you remove the handle of the 15 file in order to use with the ED2 ultrasonic holder?
Hi Lisa, thank you for your question. You can use your high speed handpiece to take it right off. – Sonia
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You are amazing
Pras,
Thank you for reading!
-Sonia
So useful advice….. Sonia
Thank you – happy to help!
-Sonia
I’m a doctor from Moscow, I really want to get on your course, gnoe I do not speak English well, you have a translator from English to Russian. I like your experience so much, I also want to help my patients …
Thank you for following Dr.! I am launching the course first in English, and we’re looking into translations, for both the videos and the documents.
-Sonia
Thank you so much for such an informative post. It helps a budding dentist like me to improve my skills to deliver quality work. Would be greatful if you could enlighten on root canal sealers..
Thanks and Regards
Dr. Sandhya,
I will definitely add it to my list for future content.
Best,
Sonia
what do you think about Qmix? I have been using it for a few years and I love it.
Hey Justin! If you love Qmix, great. I just find it more thrifty to use a generic sodium hypochlorite and EDTA :).
-Sonia
Pleasure reading your article
Thank you Dr. Kumar!
-Sonia
I love the tips!
Thanks for reading Rebekkah!
-Sonia
Thank you so much for sharing this information . This information is so helpful
Thanks Kalpana!
-Sonia
It was so nice of you to share your skillful experience with us. Learnt quite a lot of things as I’m a budding dentist. Keep sharing 🙂
I’m so glad this post was helpful for you. Keep up the great work!
-Sonia
I totally agree with you except the using of file 15 for activation i had bad history with it
Hayder, everyone will have their comfort level with any of these tools. Thanks for your feedback!
-Sonia
How would you cut the 15 file handle to attach to ED2 file holder?
Thank you
Hi Lisa, thank you for your questions. For both, I suggest you use your high speed hand piece, which will take it right off. -Sonia
Dr.Chopra,
Thank you for sharing your experience.It has been a great help . Is it okay to use EDTA and Sodium Hypocholorite together ?
Thank you
Thank you for your question. Some people like to use another irrigant like alcohol or saline in between, but I use them consecutively. – Sonia
For a guy who is presently not practicing, I enjoy hour posts and always find them informative and do the point.
Hi Steve, Thank you for reading! I’m glad you find the blog informative and helpful. -Sonia
great tips mam . i will adopt many tips in my practice.
thank you so much
Hi Dr. Rissam, Thank you for reading! I’m glad you’re finding my tips helpful. -Sonia
What type of Munce burs do you maintain in your armamentarium?
Suchi,
I like to use the purple ones and the red ones and the shorter shank ones. I hope this helps you!
-Sonia