When performing a root canal procedure, it’s imperative that after instrumentation, the clinician cleanses and disinfects the canal thoroughly with endodontic irrigants—even where instruments can’t reach. However, this can prove tricky, as irrigants must reach where they are needed without expressing beyond the bounds of the canal—breaking through apical tissues, potentially damaging healthy tissue.
Dr. Dan Fischer says, “The basic concept of irrigation in endodontics is to get the smallest cannula down close to the apex, but shy of the foramen, and to irrigate from the bottom up. It is imperative to start from the bottom to prohibit trapping air in the canal—it is very difficult to displace an air bubble when you’re filling the canal from the top down. However, the deeper the canal, the more difficult it is to get the cannula down to the apical region of the tooth.”
Moreover, root canals often have curves with sharp turns that make navigating the cannula to the apical region difficult—which is where Ultradent’s Navitip® tips’ flex tip technology exceeds the ability of other endodontic tips on the market.
Unlike traditional endodontic tips, the cannula of each Navitip Tip is slightly rigid through the base and center, but flexible at the tip to allow it to bend and snake through each canal. Additionally, the end of the each Navitip Tip is smoothed and rounded to allow the tip to slide past corners rather than scraping and potentially ledging as they proceed through the canal. This gives precise, controlled delivery of any irrigant, intracanal medication, and sealing to exactly where it is needed. Each Navitip Tip also features patented Lok-Tite™ technology which feature double threads with press-fit technology to prevent the tip from popping off, and wings for easy attachment and removal. Lastly, every Navitip Tip is fitted with a tight-fitting rubber stop, allowing for precise measurement to facilitate accurate delivery while further preventing risk of extrusion through apical tissue.
Irrigant extrusion, or expression beyond the apex.
To further prevent risk of extrusion, Navitip Tips offer Sideport Tips, which allow irrigants to be delivered through non-clogging dual sideports (which are offset from each other vertically as well as laterally). The tip of the cannula on each Sideport Tip features a flexible end that is capped and rounded for safety in the apical third. Available in a variety of sizes, the Navitip Sideport’s smallest tip, measuring in at 31ga, is one of dentistry’s thinnest cannula, allowing clinicians to easily navigate even the most intricate canal spaces.
Ultradent also offers Navitip FX® tips—endodontic brushes that are designed to clean, scrub, and irrigate the canal simultaneously. This tip is able to reach the apical third and deliver the irrigant while the brush, at the same time, scrubs the canal wall, dislodging debris. In conjunction with EDTA, the brush works to remove the smear layer, including smear plugs.
Brushing action enhances the chemical action of the irrigant for superior removal of the smear layer.
In the age of irrigation, Ultradent’s Navitip Tips offer safety, accuracy, and a variety of delivery options for every root canal procedure, start to finish.
To learn more about Navitip Tips, call 800-552-5512 or visit ultradent.com.