HyFlex EDM Strikes the Perfect Balance
This NiTi file system brings together strength, facture resistance, flexibility, and efficiency
Root canal procedures require finesse and patience. Each tooth’s anatomy is unique, which can cause problems when navigating challenging canals. In addition to clinician skill, these procedures require instruments with almost competing characteristics—strength and flexibility. Endodontic files must be flexible enough for maneuvering through sometimes circuitous canal paths, yet strong enough to cut efficiently and resist fracturing.
“Negotiating the canal to get to the apex presents a big challenge,” explains Paul Kaplan, DMD, MS, who maintains endodontic practices in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. “The goal of cleaning and shaping is to reach the apex while removing the entire canal contents. Complex anatomies can make this challenging.”
Challenge Accepted: Strength + Flexibility
The Coltene Group has been perfecting endodontic file systems for years. HyFlex EDM, its 5th generation of nickel-titanium (NiTi) files, presents a significant evolution with a system designed using an innovative manufacturing process—electric discharge machining. This process employs spark erosion to strengthen each file’s surface to ensure fracture resistance and cutting efficiency.
“HyFlex EDM files provide an intricate balance between strength and flexibility.”
- Paul Kaplan, DMD, MS
According to research published in the International Endodontic Journal, a cyclic fatigue test showed an increase of fatigue resistance up to 700% on the HyFlex EDM compared to HyFlex CM files. At the same time, the system’s controlled memory properties make the files flexible enough to easily follow a canal’s anatomy. The results also include a reduced risk of ledging, transportation, and perforation.
Dr. Kaplan describes the files as providing an “intricate balance between strength and flexibility.” In his opinion, very few rotary files offer this balance.
Added Benefits: Fewer Files and Better Patient Experience
Enhanced flexibility and strength provide clinicians with another advantage—fewer files required per procedure. In situations with straight, large canals, as few as 2 or 3 files may be needed.
“When you can use fewer files, you improve the patient experience and lower the chances of a procedural mishap,” Dr. Kaplan explains. “For example, in the past when using another file system, I may have used up to 6 files to complete a specific case. But using HyFlex EDM, I can complete the same case using only 4.”
Success vs. Failure
Combining instruments designed for strength and flexibility with clinician skill and expertise enhances the patient experience, helps to ensure successful outcomes, and improves efficiencies. To overcome what Dr. Kaplan describes as one of his biggest practice challenges—reaching the apex—he turns to the HyFlex EDM NM NiTi file system. “I’ve used many different systems in the past, and without fail, I predictably reach the apex using these files.”
