When Dental Product Shopper asked the evaluators of Channels Glide Path NiTi Rotary Files to give us 3 reasons why they would integrate the files into their practice, a Florida dentist said they are “very cost-effective, [provide] efficient cutting, and are simple to use.” A New Jersey dentist said they are “easy to use—I did not have any break.”
Fourteen dentists, including 1 endodontist, evaluated the Channels Glide Path NiTi Rotary Files, which are manufactured by Insight Endo and exclusively distributed by Henry Schein. The evaluators, all of whom had previous experience with glide path files, chose their preferred file sizes. They then rated the files on several criteria, including cutting efficiency, file flexibility, and selection of file sizes.
Cutting Efficiency
Manufacturer Description: The Channels Glide Path NiTi Rotary Files offer clinicians an ideal glide path preparation that allows for the best cutting efficiency. In addition, the files can easily navigate curved canals, reducing the risk of transportation and ledging.
Evaluator Feedback: When asked what they liked best about the Channels Glide Path NiTi Rotary Files, several named cutting efficiency. “It cut very efficiently and easily to form the canal,” said a California dentist with 15 years of practice experience. He noted that he would definitely recommend the files to his colleagues.
File Flexibility
Manufacturer Description: Channels Glide Path NiTi Rotary Files work more quickly and are more flexible than manual K-Files. They were designed to be extremely flexible so that clinicians can create softer preparations.
Evaluator Feedback: “Very flexible” is how a dentist from Utah described the files. “[I] was able to establish a glide path rapidly…and get down to the apex in tight canals,” he said. Another dentist described the flexibility as “impressive,” and a third liked “its flexibility” best and the “rapid removal of pulp tissue and obstructions.”
File Size Selection
Manufacturer Description: Channels Glide Path NiTi Rotary Files are available in tip size 15 or 20 with a length of 21 or 25 mm. All of the files have a 0.02 taper and are packaged 6 files per box.
Evaluator Feedback: “While not needed for all canals, it was very valuable in small, tight canals like MB2 canals,” reported a dentist who rated file size selection as excellent. An Indianapolis dentist said she liked the different sizes from which to choose and the “ability to access the smallest of canals.” A few of the evaluators noted that they would like more size variety, with one suggesting they be offered in size 10. Another commented, “Maybe more size choices, as it may be necessary for certain cases.”
Overall Satisfaction
Eleven evaluators said they would definitely or probably recommend Channels Glide Path NiTi Rotary Files to their colleagues. A Texas evaluator who said she would probably purchase these files in the future said they are “a good tool for narrow curved molar canals where you are trying to reach the apex and have too much resistance with hand files.”
When asked what they liked best about the files, several evaluators said it was their ease of use. “I liked how easy it was to make its way to the apex,” a New Jersey dentist said. Another evaluator said, “With 17% EDTA and lubricant, it can negotiate calcified canals surprisingly easy.”
One evaluator summed up his evaluation of the Channels Glide Path NiTi Rotary Files this way: “With smooth, efficient cutting action and ease of use, I look forward to incorporating these files into my practice to simplify my endodontic procedures.”
