What’s new in my sponge?

Editor’s intro: The Traverse™ file system creates a more efficient glide path and reduces bodily wear and tear on the clinician. Read more about it here. 

Dr. Brett E. Gilbert discusses his experience with the Traverse™ glide path file system

When it comes to adopting new instruments into my endodontic protocol, I am a harsh critic and scrutinize every detail of the new armamentarium. For many years, I have recognized the merits and usefulness that a glide path rotary file could provide to canal preparation. Although I knew that the engineering of glide path files was very advanced, until recently, I could not commit to running these files into root canals that had not been established by hand-filing the glide path first. Why, you might ask? The answer is simple — trust. I did not trust that these rotary glide path files would not separate in the canal before having some degree of debridement completed by the safety use of hand filing first.

My mind was changed with the introduction of the Traverse™ glide path file system. I was intrigued by my initial testing of these files and the strength and flexibility that they demonstrated while using them in extracted teeth. Upon engagement into the canals, the files were able to withstand my toughest testing (pushing them harder than I would in a clinical situation). After several rounds of in vitro testing, I felt confident in the performance of these files and decided to incorporate them into my patient treatment. I had some skepticism, combined with hope, that this might be the rotary glide path file system for which I had been waiting.

As a practicing endodontist for 16 years, I have become well aware of the toll that clinical practice takes on the body. I am constantly searching for ways to incorporate technology to take the pressure off of me, allowing me to work longer and stronger. Eliminating extensive hand filing is one way to create increased efficiency in my treatment protocol and also to take strain off of my body. The Traverse system is a new file technology designed to allow you to go from canal location to full rotary shaping without hand filing. The use of this system reduces the number of hand files required down to two, which is for scouting and measurement of the working length with an electronic apex locator.

By incorporating a glide path system into my protocol, I am able to take the stress off of me and also reduce the workload of my rotary shaping files by creating a more tapered glide path in comparison to hand instruments. The Traverse system is comprised of a single orifice opener (25/.08 17 mm) and two different-sized glide path shaping files (13/.06 21, 25, 31 mm and 18/.06 21, 25, 31 mm). The files have a triangular cross section for less friction and higher cutting efficiency, and they are treated with variable heat treatment technology to provide incredible flexibility and strength. Flexibility and strength are the two most important factors needed for me to trust in order to incorporate these files into my procedural flow. The files have a non-cutting tip to reduce the risk of perforation and/or ledging of the canal walls transportation. The files have a maximum flute diameter of 1 mm to abide by the principles of dentin conservation. We recognize how important conservation of tooth structure is to keeping the tooth structure strong and more resistant to fracture.

When it comes to adopting new technology, I try to be open-minded and ready to advance my protocols. I am always eager to examine and test the waters of the safety, efficiency, and clinical effectiveness the new technology offers. However, I have to truly trust the instrument to bring it into my patient care clinical protocols. I spent a great deal of time testing the Traverse glide path system on extracted teeth to establish this trust. Today, I am using this system in all of my cases, and I have reduced the wear and tear on my body by eliminating almost all hand filing in my procedures. In doing so, I am also creating a more efficient glide path shape that also takes the stress off of my rotary shaping files, allowing me to practice under less stress and with greater efficiency. After using the Traverse system in my procedures for several months, it now has a rightful place in my sponge and is allowing me to provide better treatment to my patients.

This information was provided by KaVo Kerr.

For more details about the Traverse file system, click here.

Dr. Brett E. Gilbert graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School completing his DDS in 2001 and attaining his Certificate in Endodontics in 2003. He is currently a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Endodontics at the University of Illinois-Chicago, College of Dentistry and on staff at Presence Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago. He served as President of the Illinois Association of Endodontists in 2011 and as President of the Northwest Side Branch of the Chicago Dental Society in 2013-2014. Dr. Gilbert was honored by the Seattle Study Club as a Top Ten Young Dental Educator in America in 2017. Dr. Gilbert is board certified, a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. Dr. Gilbert owns and operates a private practice limited to Endodontics in Niles, IL.

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