6 Things To Know Before You Buy An Endomotor

* Rotation vs Reciprocation:

Rotary endodontics was able to deliver great results with a lesser risk of complications such as ledge formation and root perforation. The advent and evolution of rotary files have resulted in various files systems that are used to effectively shape the root canal system. But then came along another advancement when the 4th generation rotary files were introduced. This was the use of reciprocating motion, which was considered to be more effective than continuous rotation.

A study conducted by the Clinicians Report foundation in 2012, revealed that only a meager 11% of dentists involved in the study used reciprocation in endodontic treatment. 62% of the practitioners resorted to rotary instrumentation and 27% of the group used hand instrumentation techniques.

According to Endodontic Practice US, the following benefits have been seen while using files in reciprocation:

• Extends life span of rotary files.
• Reciprocation offers equal cutting efficiency as rotary motion.
• Reciprocating files preserve original canal anatomy.
• Reduced time is taken to shape canals.
• Fewer or equivalent number of dentin microcracks are formed when compared rotary motion.

So does this mean that reciprocation is better than rotation? The evidence available so far does not give us a precise answer to that question. However, studies have shown that reciprocation motion is more effective than rotation, in removing the root canal filling material (gutta percha & root canal sealants)

 * Speed and Torque Control:

An endomotor with speed and torque control is necessary to have complete control over instrumentation. The usual speed range that is employed in endodontics is between 150 and 650 rpm. Higher speeds offer better cutting efficiency but are more likely to cause instrument separation and fracture.

The use of slow speed high-torque was the accepted form of instrumentation for the past decade. However, evidence shows that there are quite a few iatrogenic errors that occur due to this combination of speed and torque. The new rationale is to use slow speed low torque instrumentation techniques. A much more preferable parameter would be the use of a specific ideal (right) torque.

So choose an endomotor that offers great flexibility when it comes to speed and torque settings, as different files systems have different ideal torque values. So, before you buy an endomotor, do look for the speed and torque control.

* Auto Functions:

Modern endodontic motors are developed with auto functioning features which make it easier to carry out endodontic procedures and reduce the risk of complications.

Auto Stop, Auto Forward, and Auto Reverse are the functions being incorporated into the latest endomotors. The auto reverse function causes the rotation of the file to change to the opposite direction when the torque limit is reached. This greatly reduces the load on the rotary file. When the excess load is removed the motor handpiece returns to a normal forward rotation automatically.

Compatibility with File Systems:

Buy an endomotor which is flexible enough to be used with different rotary file systems. Although manufacturers of endomotors recommend using files of their brand for best results, the necessity to use another file system should not be overlooked.

If you end up buying an endomotor that lacks the reciprocating function, using a reciprocating rotary file such as Wave One by Dentsply or Unicone by Wizard is out of the question. In this scenario, you put yourself at a disadvantage as you are unable to try your hand at reciprocal endodontics. All endomotors are compatible with the commonly used older generation files such as the ProTaper, Hero Shaper, Mtwo, and others.

* Battery:

This is another parameter that has to be considered before you buy an endomotor for your dental practice. Most endomotors have rechargeable batteries made of nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium ion (Li-ion).

Both batteries hold a similar amount of power, but Li-ion batteries can be charged and discharged more rapidly than NiMH batteries. Also, Li-ion batteries do not have much of a “memory effect” which is a phenomenon that occurs when the battery is recharged before it is completely empty. The memory effect is also known as the “lazy battery effect” or “battery memory” which causes NiMH batteries to hold a lower amount of charge.

The number of times the battery can be recharged is a significant measure that denotes the life of the battery. Typically rechargeable batteries included in endomotors can be charged and discharged for about 200 – 500 times. Another key point to consider with regard to the battery is the amount of time taken to fully charge the device and the usage time it offers.

* Built-in Apex Locator:

The advancement in technology over the past decades has made it inevitable that, it truly is a huge boon to the dental profession. Moving forward from hand instrumentation to rotary or reciprocal endodontics is par for the course with any dentist at some point in time. When that time comes, we hope this blog would have helped you choose the best motor driven endodontic system that increases your efficiency and improves the quality of your treatment with every passing day.