In the January 2015 issue of Dental Economics, I wrote about EdgeEndo's EdgeFile. As a quick recap, I thought they were great-economical, well designed, and easy to integrate into an existing endo setup. Like most endo file systems on the market, there are compatible obturators to go with the files. EdgeEndo has corresponding gutta-percha points along with EdgeFill, which is its version of a plastic carrier thermal obturator. In addition to EdgeFill, there is EdgeCore. EdgeCore is similar to the other gutta-percha carrier thermal obturators that have debuted over the past few years.
Oven-heated endodontic thermal obturation cones are extremely popular and have been since their debut in the late 1980s. Criticism of these has always been focused on the plastic carrier because it's not a homogenous fill since the gutta-percha coating shrinks with cooling. It's difficult to prep a post space without pulling out the entire carrier. All of these are valid concerns in regard to plastic carrier thermal obturators.
After talking with a couple of endodontists, I learned (anecdotally) that the vast majority of these plastic carrier systems are used by general dentists. There seems to be little affection for them in the specialty world. So, why are these so popular with GPs? Ease of use and speed are what attract us to these. We are willing to deal with the plastic carrier because it's faster and simpler. But what if we had the same speed and simplicity without a plastic carrier? Seems like the best of both worlds, right? That's what EdgeEndo is shooting for with its EdgeCore obturators.
The EdgeCore obturators are still oven-heated, but instead of a plastic carrier, the carrier is made of dense, cross-linked gutta-percha. This gives us a more homogenous fill, eases post space preparation, and makes for an easier cleanup.
There are matching EdgeFill obturators for every EdgeEndo file system. You will need a thermal obturator oven. If you don't already have one, you can order one directly from Dentsply Tulsa Dental. Just as with other thermal obturators, you dry the canals, apply a small amount of sealer, and place the EdgeCore in the oven for heating. Once the oven beeps, remove the obturator and place it into the desired canal with slow, even pressure to the desired length. With the old plastic carriers, you were left to try to remove the handle and the excess plastic carrier. With EdgeCore, a slight twist after placement will break the handle off of the obturator. Plus, cleaning up the gutta-percha is much easier than cleaning gutta-percha and plastic. A handpiece or even a spoon excavator can accomplish the task. Prepping a post space, if needed, is as simple as it is in a traditional cold gutta-percha cone fill.
As a general dentist, my endo philosophy is to keep it simple-simple cases accomplished with a simple, elegant system. I try my best to clean and shape the canals well and to irrigate the hell out of them! The EdgeEndo file system has been easy for me to use, and I have enjoyed it very much. EdgeCore takes it to the next level. It gives me the ease and speed of thermal obturation without the problems of the plastic carrier. Cleanup is easy and quick, and the fills look phenomenal on radiographs. I really loved using the EdgeCore obturators. Frozen-rope triple, deep in the alley!
NV Microlaser by DenMat
