Product Evaluation

VISTA APEX

EndoUltra

With a tip frequency of 40,000 Hz, the EndoUltra cordless ultrasonic activator provides effective and efficient irrigation for a truly clean root canal system

The importance of thoroughly cleaning canals during root canal treatment cannot be understated, but actually accomplishing this task is often not as simple as it should be—especially when dealing with challenging anatomy. Like many dentists, Dr. John Kizziar was searching for a solution that would “completely clean the root canals,” but this was easier said than done. Fortunately, he discovered Vista Apex’s EndoUltra ultrasonic activator, a unique device that electromechanically activates an irrigant so that it penetrates deep into dentinal tubules to thoroughly clean the canals.

Capable of generating enough force to produce acoustic streaming and cavitation, EndoUltra’s electromechanical activation improves debridement and disruption of biofilm in canal spaces, reduces bacteria levels, and improves cleanliness, according to Vista Apex. The compact, cordless, handheld device features long, slender tips that allow Dr. Kizziar “to move the ultrasonic action down through the root canals.” In fact, he discovered that EndoUltra’s “ultrasonic action cleans the canals better than anything else I have used.”

Ease of Use

The EndoUltra kit includes a cordless handpiece with an LED light, rechargeable battery, reusable titanium activator tips, tip wrench, protective barriers, and autoclavable handpiece sleeves. The handpiece’s contra-angle design optimizes ergonomics for the user while allowing easy access and visibility to the oral cavity. Several dentists praised EndoUltra’s ease of use, including Dr. Louis Steinberg, Dr. Steve Baldwin, and an Arizona endodontist who called it “lightweight and easy to use” but would like to be able to replace the battery without replacing the entire unit.

Before using EndoUltra, an endodontist from Ottawa, Ontario said other “ultrasonic tips available for activation are too fragile and often have active cutting sides which can lead to breakage, ledging, and other problems.” With EndoUltra, she appreciates that the thin, resusable “tips are non-cutting and durable.” A San Francisco endodontist reported that the “flexible tip allows for deeper placement of the ultrasonic tip,” while Dr. Ron Ganik said the tips are too thick. Identifying the cost-saving reusable tips as the feature he liked most, Dr. Michael Buck suggested that the tips could be stronger.

Irrigation & Canal Cleaning

The EndoUltra handpiece provides the 40,000– 50,000 Hz ultrasonic power needed to oscillate and vibrate the titanium tips, while creating sufficient acoustical streaming and cavitation to effectively clean, penetrate, and remove vapor lock from canals. “EndoUltra improves the activation of irrigating solutions and their ability to reach more places in the root canal system,” reported Dr. Buck. A Connecticut dentist said using EndoUltra gives him the “confidence that the canals are clean,” and Dr. Louis Steinberg said, “It’s an excellent device that works very well for endodontic irrigation.”

Appreciating EndoUltra’s ability to greatly improve cavitation and streaming, Dr. Steve Schletty called it a “great asset in debriding canals that can’t be done by manual filling alone.” Reporting that “the literature supports the use of passive ultrasonic irrigation,” endodontist Tung Bui described EndoUltra as “an endodontic irrigation adjunct to help better disinfect the root canal system” but said he experiences frustration when a tip breaks. Hoping to “remove the smear layer from the canal and improve cleaning of the apical third of the canal,” the Arizona endodontist concluded that the “ultrasonic activation of EDTA followed by NaOCl activation” cleans the canal efficiently, “helping to clean out resorption defects prior to obturation with bioceramic putty.”

"EndoUltra is a great asset in debriding canals that can't be done by manual filling alone.”
- Steven Schletty, DDS

Osceola, WI

Improved Access & Lateral Anatomy Penetration

Describing EndoUltra’s ability to improve debriding and access to hidden lateral canals as “excellent,” Dr. Schletty discovered evidence of deep penetration when “the final radiograph showed small lateral canals filled with the obturation sealer after using EndoUltra.” Dr. Robert Berry, a general dentist who wanted to “be on par with what endodontists use,” found that EndoUltra “does what I need it to; I can bend the needle to the appropriate position.” A board-certified endodontist from Louisiana, who was most interested in ultrasonic activation at the apex of the root canal systems, described EndoUltra as “a safe product” and called the bendable tips “useful for getting irrigant to the apex.” Another endodontist agreed that “the flexible tip design allows for deeper placement of the ultrasonic tip.” Dr. Schletty shared his satisfaction with EndoUltra with this message for Vista Apex, “Thank you for addressing the need to assist in lateral endodontic debridement cases.”

Overall Satisfaction

Dr. Berry’s overall impression of the EndoUltra system was that “EndoUltra gives me better outcomes,” and the Arizona endodontist said it improves his dentistry “because cleaner canals increase the longterm prognosis for success.” Willing “to do everything I can for the best results” and acknowledging the need to evaluate long-term outcomes, Dr. Baldwin reported, “I feel I’m doing a better job” when using EndoUltra. “EndoUltra is the best, and I would get another one if I needed it” noted another endodontist who said Vista Apex’s “customer service is great.” Stating that he “would buy this product again,” Dr. Kizziar concluded, “I’ve tried other ultrasonic activators in the past and have found this to be superior.”

Takeaways

• Provides electromechanical activation to enhance penetration of irrigants into dentinal tubules
• A cordless activator that genrates enough force to produce acoustic streaming and cavitation
• Improves debridement, biofilm disruption, and cleanliness while reduce bacteria levels
• Cordless, ultrasonic operation, compact design, and reusable activator tips maximize convenience and efficiency