[Single file endodontic treatment: a new era?]

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Context:

• Root canal shaping is crucial for endodontic treatment success, impacting disinfection efficacy.
• Traditional nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary systems involve multiple files, increasing procedure time.
• Recent advancements focus on single-file systems to optimize root canal preparation.

Purpose:

• To review and evaluate novel single-file endodontic systems.
• To compare their mechanisms, including reciprocating motion, continuous rotation with Anti Breakage Control (ABC), and the Self-Adjusting File (SAF).
• To assess their potential to reduce working time, cost, and procedural errors while improving safety and outcomes.

Summary:

• Single-file systems represent a significant evolution in root canal shaping.
• Reciprocating motion files reduce torsional stress, while continuously rotating files may feature breakage prevention mechanisms.
• The Self-Adjusting File (SAF) offers unique simultaneous enlargement and irrigation capabilities by conforming to canal anatomy.

Impact:

• These innovative systems demonstrate excellent shaping and centering abilities, producing smooth, tapered preparations.
• They offer reproducible results, even for less experienced practitioners.
• Further clinical and laboratory research is necessary to fully validate the long-term efficacy and benefits of these promising endodontic technologies.