FAQ’s

  1. Will the file fit my endodontic handpiece?
  2. What additional equipment do I need in order to use the SAF?
  3. Is the SAF SYSTEM a rotary system?
  4. Which SAF sizes are available?
  5. What are the dimensions of the final preparation (apical size and taper)?
  6. How do I control the amount of dentin removed? What if I want to remove more / less?
  7. How does the SAF remove dentin?
  8. Can I over-instrument the canal?
  9. How to overcome difficulties in reaching working length?
  10. Do you recommend the use of NiTi systems for the initial glide path preparation?
  11. Can I work without using constant irrigation?
  12. Do I have to use NaOCl for irrigation?
  13. Will the irrigant pass beyond the apical foramen?
  14. Which technique can I use for obturation?
  15. What about retreatment?
  16. Is the file reusable?
  17. Can the SAF be sterilized?
  1. Will the file fit my endodontic handpiece?
The SAF requires the use of a designated handpiece head (RDT3 or RDT3-NX ReDent Nova shown in the picture below).
The RDT3 head is the only handpiece head designed to accommodate the SAF friction grip attachment, and provide it with the movement necessary for its proper action (vertical vibration combined with a low-torque rotation).These handpiece heads are compatible with many common handpieces and motors. Please refer to the product page for details.
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  1. What additional equipment do I need in order to use the SAF?
The picture below depicts the complete SAF SYSTEM layout.
  • The complete system is composed of the RDT3 Handpiece head, a compatible handpiece, the VATEA irrigation pump and three available SAF lengths (21, 25, 31mm)
  • No external torque-control is required; therefore any motor with an e-type connector that can deliver 5,000 RPM can be used to operate the SAF (If a torque controlled motor is to be used torque should be set to maximum).

 
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  1. Is the SAF SYSTEM a rotary system?
No, the SAF mode of operation is a vertical vibration movement (up-and-down) with an amplitude of 0.4mm, combined with a slow low-torque rotation.
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  1. Which SAF sizes are available?
Two SAF diameters are currently available: 1.5 mm and 2 mm.
The SAF 1.5 mm is designed to shape and clean all canals with initial apical size of ISO 20-40, and the SAF 2 mm is designed for canals with initial size of ISO 35-60.The SAF 1.5 mm is available in three lengths (21, 25, 31mm) and the SAF 2 mm is available i two lengths (21, 25 mm).
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  1. What are the dimensions of the final preparation (apical size and taper)?
The SAF has no blades and no rigid predetermined form; therefore, it does not impose its shape on the canal but rather complies with the canal’s original shape. This is true both circumferentially and longitudinally.Hence, the final dimensions of each canal greatly depend on its original dimensions.As a rule-of-thumb, final canal dimensions will be apically 2-3 ISO sizes larger than the initial apical size with a taper of 4%. For example, if an initial apical size was #20 ISO, the final apical size will be #35 ISO.
  • To determine accurate final dimensions it is recommended to gauge the prepared canal using a gutta-percha master-cone or a hand file.
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  1. How do I control the amount of dentin removed? What if I want to remove more / less?
The amount of dentin removal can be controlled by increasing / decreasing treatment time.
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  1. How does the SAF remove dentin?
The SAF removes dentin in a manner similar to a “sand paper” mode of action.Its action depends on:
  • The abrasive surface of the file
  • The pressure applied by the compressed file on the canal wall
  • The in-and-out vibrating motion of the file
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  1. Can I over-instrument the canal?
The canal cannot be over-instrumented as the force applied by the SAF diminishes with the enlargement of the canal to the extent of not removing any more dentin.
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  1. How to overcome difficulties in reaching working length?
Under normal conditions, working length should be reached during the first 30 seconds of operation, for this reason the VATEA irrigation pump is equipped with a built-in timer display. Encountering difficulties in reaching working length is usually a derivative of insufficient glide path preparation:
  • Make sure your coronal preparation is adequately flared (gates 3 or equivalent)
  • Use lubricant (e.g. Glide / RCprep) when first introducing the file into the canal
  • Reestablish the glide path to #20
  • Make sure that the shaft of the SAF does not engage the access cavity walls; this might happen in incisors or premolars presenting exceptionally small pulp chambers. If so, use the longer 31mm SAF. There is no need to enlarge the access cavity!
  • Check for the presence of gross pulp tissue remains in the canal.
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  1. Do you recommend the use of NiTi systems for the initial glide path preparation?
NiTi endodontic files, which are specially designed for establishing glide path such as PathFile or similar, have been reported to produce favorable results and can certainly be used to initially prepare narrow canals.Nevertheless, one should verify that : (a) the coronal part of the canal has been flared and (b) a #20 file can freely reach working length prior to treatment with the SAF.
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  1. Can I work without using constant irrigation?
In order to achieve the expected results one should always use continuous irrigation with the SAF.
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  1. Do I have to use NaOCl for irrigation?
The best documented results were achieved when the SAF was used with continuous irrigation of NaOCl.
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  1. Will the irrigant pass beyond the apical foramen?
With thousands of documented cases treated with the SAF SYSTEM, there were no reported cases of sodium hypochlorite accidents.
  • “Almost no irrigant pressure builds up in the canal during the SAF operation. This is because the metal mesh allows free escape of the irrigant at all times. Even in the narrow apical part of a canal prepared up to #20 K-file, the SAF is a very “ineffective” piston, leaving more than 38% of the canal cross-section free for backflow of fluid and debris” (Hof et al., Journal of Endodontics 2010;36:691-6).
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  1. Which technique can I use for obturation?
Any obturation method can be adapted to be used with the SAF SYSTEM.
  • To determine the size of master cone to be used check the apical size of the preparation with a hand file.
  • In case of flat-oval canals it is recommended to prepare chloroform dipped customized master cone that may be used with either lateral compaction or warm gutta-percha techniques.
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  1. What about retreatment?
The SAF may be used as a very efficient complimentary tool for removing residual obturation material and sealer. It cannot remove the bulk of root canal filling material.
  • First remove the bulk of obturation material using conventional techniques.
  • Use the SAF with NaOCl irrigation for 1 minute
  • Fill the canal with solvent, such as chloroform, and operate the SAF for 2 minute in the canal without other irrigation.
  • Use the SAF with NaOCl irrigation for an additional 1 minute and check for cleanliness.
  • If necessary repeat the process.
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  1. Is the file reusable?
As other NiTi systems, the SAF is CE and FDA approved for single use.
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  1. Can the SAF be sterilized?
The SAF can and should be sterilized prior to use (autoclave at 121o C).

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