Abstract

Nickel titanium instrumentation systems have undergone significant changes since the introduction of ProTaper in 2001. Even the nickel titanium alloys used today bear little resemblance to their precursor, super elastic NITI. The creation of new heat-treated alloys allows dentists to perform minimally invasive endodontics, preserving more hard tissue and creating opportunities for minimally invasive restoration. Advances have also been made in canal filling, with the introduction of a new bioceramic sealer. The once substantial bulk of gutta-percha has been significantly reduced, and the new sealer acts like cement to fill the canal space, reducing the technique sensitivity associated with the warm vertical condensation technique. This talk will also cover the discussion of when dentists may choose to use bioceramic sealer instead of traditional epoxy resin.

Learning Objectives

• To gain an understanding of the evolution of nickel titanium instrumentation systems.
• Create a protocol that enables dentists to perform a motor-driven glide path technique to eliminate the need for hand filing.
• Review how this evolution has enabled dentists to perform predictable minimally invasive endodontics.
• Understand how the use of bioceramic sealer can improve obturation predictability.
• Discuss how epoxy resin and bioceramic sealers differ in their properties.