Tulsa Dental ProTaper Rotary File: Too Costly, Too Narrow?

Dr. K asks:

ProTaperI just took a course in using the Tulsa Dental ProTaper nickel titanium rotary file system. I did not fracture any of the files while instrumenting the extracted teeth.

However, I am a bit concerned about the cost. The instructor recommended using each file once and then discarding it. He said that after you use a rotary nickel titanium file once, it is liable to fracture if used again. You also have to buy their electric motor and handpiece too. I do not understand how to set the torque value on their motor.Seemed very confusing to me.

I am also concerned about the size of their master apical file. I always used to go to at least a #35 file to the apex. Their system uses a really narrow file at the apical terminus, like A #20. Is that wide enough? Seemed easy to obturate the canal afterwards using either their Thermafill or similar sized cold gutta-percha master cones.

What are your experiences with this system? Is it as good as they say it is? I’d be interested in your thoughts.

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Filed Under Instrumentation, Tulsa Dental, Endodontics, What's New 

Comments

3 Responses to “Tulsa Dental ProTaper Rotary File: Too Costly, Too Narrow?”

  1. FB Strauss on July 26th, 2007 10:16 pm

    I’ve been using the system for awhile. I paid big bucks for an early motor without torque control, and then almost immediately after, they came out with torque control, and told me my old motor was no good. I am not real happy with Tulsa. I use the Brasseler chargeable cordless motor. Very handy. I have reused instruments for more than one patient with no problem, and I have fractured a brand new one, first time in a canal. I suspect they’re right when they say not to force the file, and always have lots of lubricant. A critical thing to do is carefully inspect the file after you use it, and if it is the slightest bit out of shape, dump it. I have purchased some files on eBay. Those clever rascals at Tulsa sell files to students at a very good price and the even more clever students sell them on eBay. Go figure. Everybody is happy but the Tulsa salesman. Good luck. FBS

  2. Ties on July 29th, 2007 10:01 am

    I have used the system for three years now. I have had some fractures but most of the times because I want to go in too quickly. Most times I use the files 5 times, but when I treat a very curved canal or scleroyic canal I will change them quicker. I always start to make a glide-path with my handfiles and edta-gel. When Iam at the working length then I use the protapers ( there are now protapers up to F5). When I feel that i have to put on too much pressure I will go to the file before: in a sense I use the step-down pressureless technic. I don’t use the special motors anymore, but a special handpeace with
    1: 128. When you use torque-control devices then as soon as the motor starts to reverse its action you get a lot of stress on your files and it is better to through them away then, because they will fracture! I have used many differend systems because they told me this system is better and the files don’t break. I think you have to try differend systems and one will work better in your hands then the other: that’s your best system.

  3. nikolas on July 30th, 2007 12:45 am

    Look into the LIGHTSPEED SYSTEM. The endodontist I worked with uses them in his own private practice and has been for many yrs. They can be used up to 8 times. If they do break, they break at their most coronal aspect..just as gates gliddens..simple to retrieve. When tulsa files break, they break mid root or further apically. Look into the Lightspeed file system as they also use a cordless handpiece. I have been using these for years now, and have tried all the rest.

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