Introducing… Reciproc Blue
Reciproc Blue endodontic files, a cutting-edge innovation in root canal treatment, were approved for use in Canada just five months ago, offering dental professionals a new level of efficiency and reliability. These reciprocating files are engineered with a unique heat-treated alloy that enhances their flexibility and resistance to cyclic fatigue, making them ideal for navigating complex root canal anatomies.
Unlike traditional rotary systems, Reciproc Blue files employ a reciprocating motion that alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise directions, reducing stress on the file and minimizing the risk of breakage. This technology streamlines the canal preparation process, often allowing for single-file use, which simplifies treatment and saves time. Their recent approval in Canada marks an exciting advancement for endodontists and general dentists
Appointment 1: Consultation
This patient was referred to me from a general dentist in private practice for consultation and treatment for tooth #35, the lower left second premolar. The patient arrived reporting 8/10 pain in this tooth for the past 5 days, becoming 10/10 at night when he goes to sleep. This patient is already reporting classic signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpits, and inflammatory process of the pulp that cannot heal on its own and usually results from deep decay, trauma, or extensive dental procedures that expose or damage the pulp. This patient is experiencing more pain at night because he is lying down horizontal, leading to more blood flow to his head which exacerbates pain.
A thorough clinical and radiographic exam was performed including vitality tests (cold and electronic pulp test), percussion test, palpation test, bite test, and probing. These tests were performed not just on the tooth in question, but on neighbouring and opposing teeth to rule out referred pain. A periapical radiograph and cone beam computed topography (CBCT) was taken to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
The periapical radiograph and CBCT scan reveal a deep cavity on the distal portion of tooth #35 breaching into the pulp chamber. More importantly it reveals a wide canal in the middle and coronal third with some constriction in the apical third. This modifies my treatment because pulp debridement and disinfection will involve gentle brushing motions to engage all of the canal walls and rely heavily on chemical irrigation with ultrasonic activation.
Diagnosis: symptomatic irreversible pulpits with symptomatic apical periodontitis
Treatment Recommended: nonsurgical root canal treatment
Normally cases like this would be treated same day in a private practice setting however since this was treated in my residency only consultation was performed
Appointment 2: Treatment
Consent was obtained from the patient and non-surgical treatment root canal treatment was selected with strong recommendation for extra-coronal coverage (a crown) following treatment to increase the long-term prognosis of the tooth. Following review of medical history and blood pressure a standard non-surgical root canal treatment was carried out.
A single cone was used and seared to the level of the constriction and a warm vertical condensation was performed with gutta percha to ensure the large middle and coronal third was properly obturated. A core was performed and this patient will be seeing his general dentist for a crown placement as soon as possible.
My thoughts on Reciproc Blue…
Having used this file system on extracted teeth and now in my practice with patients I can say that so far I’m impressed. Due to the metallurgy properties of the file (being heat treated) and reciprocating motion I’m less worried about failure due to cyclical fatigue and torsional fracture. I’m also quite confident in this system for mild-to-moderate curves for the same reason.
The feel of this file system is also much different than I’ve seen in non-reciprocating systems. When using this rotary file I feel like I’m constantly watching to '“catch” the file from progressing too far rather than “pushing” further apically which I commonly feel in other systems.
I probably won’t reach for this file in canals with extreme curvatures due to the .08 taper within the first few flutes but I’m very excited to keep using it in more of my clinical cases.
Sincerely,
Dr. Peter Chaban
