Product Evaluation

TruTaper H Endodontic Files

TruTaper H endo files offer optimal cutting efficiency and durability for half the price of competitive endodontic file systems.

Improved efficiency, more reliable outcomes, and lower cost are all potential incentives for change. But change can be a double-edged sword, and when it comes to endodontic files, there’s a lot to be said for the benefits of sticking with familiar techniques and protocols. Fortunately, change and familiarity don’t need to be mutually exclusive.

Brand new from SS White, TruTaper H endodontic files offer more flexibility for half the cost of comparable file systems, according to the manufacturer. And because the files come in the same sizes, lengths, and tapers as competing files, practitioners can use the same familiar protocols and techniques as with other systems. Each dentist who participated in this DPS evaluation tested an assortment of the TruTaper Heat Treated Files in both 21mm and 25mm lengths.

Calling the TruTaper H files a “simple system that’s easy to use,” Dr. Alan Howard said he was able to prep canals easier and discovered that the files “flowed in with our current endo system.” Philip Aurbach, DMD was hoping to find a reliable file system at a lower cost, and concluded, “The files worked as well as the competition with the same cutting efficiency.”

Cutting Efficiency

Available in a variety of sizes, lengths, and tapers, TruTaper H files can be purchased with corresponding absorbent paper points and gutta percha. The TruTaper shaping files, available in multiple tapers, cut dentin efficiently while reducing the potential for over-preparation. The finishing files ensure the proper apical fit for the matching TruTaper or existing gutta percha points.

Dr. Amir Noori E. was looking for a “more reasonably priced” solution and said TruTaper H “provides the same quality cutting with reduction of cost compared to the competitors.” After experiencing “slow cutting and shaping of canals” with previous files, Alfred dela Cruz, DDS, said the TruTaper H files enabled “quick and efficient cutting and shaping.” Hoping to accomplish “simple, fast, predicable endo,” Dr. Thomas Morgan described TruTaper H as a “straightforward, easy to use product.” When asked what feature he liked most, Dr. Tony Wu identified the “familiar color and shape of files.” Dr. Howard suggested an “irrigation system to go along with the files,” and Dr. Morgan said, “As with many systems out there, reducing the number of files needed in a case [would be helpful].”

File Flexibility / Canal Path Navigation

Heat treatment gives TruTaper H the flexibility to easily navigate tough canals, according to SS White. Several evaluators cited file flexibility as their favorite feature, including Dr. Sheri Audu, who described the files as “flexible and durable.” She explained, “The files were very useful in navigating curved or somewhat calcified canals without separating.” Dr. Steven Dater said he “had a narrow curved canal and was able to get to the end without an issue,” and Dr. Noori E. remarked, “It felt very comfortable and smooth as [I was] preparing the canals.”

Pointing out that he “performed a RCT on an upper #3 molar relatively quickly,” Dr. dela Cruz said, “I like the ability to pre-bend the mast 3mm tip of each file (I’ve never seen a NiTi product bend like that) just in case I have a tough time on MB1 and 2 canals on upper molars, where access and visibility are often a challenge.” Noting that the files “glide to the apex,” Dr. Shari Mathew said they worked well on a “curved first molar on the mesial root.”

"The files were very useful in navigating curved or somewhat calcified canals without separating."

-Sheri Audu, DDS 

Resistance to Breakage & Separation

Noting that he was previously frustrated by NiTi endo files breaking, Dr. Wu said the TruTaper H files worked well so far and safely shaped canals. He added, “I felt confident during endo procedures.” Citing reliability as his favorite feature, Pete Spalitto, DDS explained that previous files were fragile, but he felt “more secure when using [TruTaper H].” Dr. dela Cruz said there was “less chance of fracture due to the very thin tip.” He experienced “less anxiety of file separation due to faster shaping,” and said it “gives more time for sodium hypochlorite to disinfect the canal.” Dr. Aurbach concluded, “I did not have any file separations during the procedure, and it had good flexibility.”

Overall Satisfaction

Nearly all of the evaluators said they would recommend and purchase TruTaper H files in the future. Several dentists commented on the reduced cost, including Dr. Spalitto, who said he’s glad to have an alternative to “expensive brand name files.” Dr. Aurbach said he appreciates that he can use a reliable file system at a lower cost. Dr. dela Cruz described TruTaper as “an effective, efficient, and safe rotary system for endodontic treatment.”

Takeaways:

•Offers more flexibility for half the price of competitive file systems

•Same sizes, lengths, and tapers as other files

•Heat treated for flexibility and easy navigation of tough canals 

•Shaping files feature multiple tapers that ensure flexibility and efficient cutting of dentin

•Finishing files ensure proper apical fit for matching gutta percha points