PROTAPER FINISHING INSTRUMENTS

Finishers 1-5

Five finishing files, termed F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5 have yellow, red, blue, double black, and double yellow identification rings on their handles corresponding to D0 diameters of 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.40 and 0.50 mm, respectively. The F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5 files have fixed tapers of 7%, 8%, 9%, 6% and 5% in their apical extents, respectively. Unlike the ProTaper Shaping files, the Finishing files have progressively decreasing percentage tapers from D4 to D14. Decreasing percentage tapers over a portion of a file's larger cutting blades significantly improves flexibility, decreases the potential for dangerous taper lock, and discourages over-enlargement of the canal. Generally, only one finishing instrument is required to prepare the apical one-third of a canal.