Apex root canal file

US5026284A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Howard Martin · Silver Spring, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 17, 1988
• Grant date: Jun 25, 1991
• Expiry date: Feb 17, 2008

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61C5/42
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In root canal preparation, there is provided a smooth sided pilot ended endodontic K-type file, a K-type reamer file, a H-type Hedstroem file, an S-type file, and a R-type file (rhomboid), with the safe end of the instrument or file measured from D1 from 1-3 mm before the cutting edges are developed on all types of endodontic cutting instruments and on all sizes from 06-140. The smooth sided pilot end of the apex file can be incrementally increased based upon the increasing size of the instruments. For example, #15=1 mm smooth sided pilot end, #20=2 mm safe end, #25=3 mm smooth sided pilot end, etc. This is to be used for ease with the step back preparation technique. The smooth sided pilot ended apex file instrument has the ability to act as pathfinder into the root canal without damaging the apex portion during this phase. The smooth sided pilot ended endodontic file of this invention avoids forcing debris and filling material out the apex and creates a proper apical stop of proper retention and resistance. The smooth sided pilot ended endodontic file of this invention is necessary to achieve the critical phase of root canal preparation.