PROTAPER ULTIMATE AUXILIARIES

The three (3) Auxiliary Files are the Auxiliary Shaper, termed SX, the smaller-sized Auxiliary Finisher termed FX, and the larger-sized Auxiliary Finisher termed FXL. The FX and FXL files offer versatility and represent a breakthrough for expanding the anatomical range of cases encountered in clinical practice, as compared to any other system currently available internationally.

AUXILIARY SX

The Ultimate Auxiliary Shaper, or SX, is a progressively increasing percentage tapered file and has a significantly improved cross-section as compared to the PTG SX file. Specifically, the PTG SX file has a convex triangular cross-section; whereas, the Ultimate Auxiliary SX file has a novel ever-changing, rhomboid-to-parallelogram cross-section along its active portion. Advantageously, SX is used in a lateral brushing motion, on the outstroke, to eliminate coronal interferences, pre-enlarge the body of a canal, and create more centered preparations. Importantly, when difficulty is encountered performing glide path management procedures, use the SX file to eliminate restrictive dentin from the coronal two-thirds of the canal to improve access to the apical one-third of this same canal.

SX is 19 mm in overall length, which facilitates access when there is narrow interocclusal space. There is a white depth gauge ring at 18mm, which has eliminated the silicone stop so as to improve vision during use. SX is rarely carried into any given canal more than two-thirds of the overall length of its active portion. Specifically, the cutting flutes between D9-D16 are NOT introduced below any given orifice, and are present to assist augering debris out of the canal. To appreciate the geometries, SX has diameters at D0, D5, D6, D8, and D9, corresponding to cross-sectional diameters of approximately 0.20mm, 0.50mm, 0.70mm, 0.90mm and 1.10mm, respectively.

With experience, SX can be introduced into any orifice, at any time, that has sufficient working width to passively accommodate its tip. To ensure sufficient working width, the coronal two-thirds of virtually any given canal can be quickly secured and pre-flared utilizing the SLIDER in the presence of a viscous chelator. Then in a bath of NaOCl, the SX file may be used with a brush-cutting motion on the outstroke to eliminate a triangle of dentin, move a canal away from furcal danger, and to create a more centered preparation within any given root. This cycle is continued until the tip of the SX file is just short of the maximum depth of penetration achieved by the SLIDER. Following pre-enlargement procedures, voluminously irrigate with NaOCl, recapitulate with the SLIDER to break up debris and move this debris into solution, then flush again before proceeding with apical one-third procedures.

AUXILIARY FX and FXL

The file with the green silicone stop and identification ring on its handle is the Auxiliary Finisher, termed FX. This file has a D0 diameter of 0.35mm, a fixed taper of 12% from D1-D3 then regressive tapers from D4-16, and is purposefully constructed from 1.2mm NiTi wire. The file with the yellow silicone stop and two identification rings on its handle is the Large Auxiliary Finisher, termed FXL. This file has a D0 diameter of 0.50mm, a fixed taper of 10% from D1-D3 then regressive tapers from D4-D7, and a maximum flute diameter approaching 1.0mm, or the diameter of NiTi stock material. FX and FXL are used in larger diameter and anatomically straighter root canals, such as maxillary central incisors, certain palatal or distal canals within molars, or when there is a pathologic or iatrogenic defect.