Endodontic Handpiece with a Built-in EAL: What are the advantages?
New generation cordless endodontic specialty handpieces, such as the Endo Ai Motor by Woodpecker®, have several advantages over table top cordless units: a mini-head, 360° swivel contra-angle, great ergonomics, and of course, no cords and extra foot controls. But is having a built-in Electronic Apex Locator (EAL) such a big deal, or just a nice-to-have?
Let’s look at the advantages to your endodontic work flow:
Auto Start / Auto Stop
Some practitioners have become so accustomed to using a foot control that hitting a start and stop button is irritating and affects efficiency. With a built-in EAL and the Auto Start mode selected, the moment the file in the handpieces touches irrigant or lubricant in the access cavity, the motor will begin to rotate, and conversely, when the file is retrieved it will stop as soon as it clears the pulp chamber allowing for quick inspection of the file, without the extra step of hitting the OFF button.
Real Time Display / Apical Stop
The traditional method of using an EAL is to connect a lip clip to the patient’s lip (the ground) and a file lead connected to a hand file, then descending into the canal until the set position is indicated on the apex locator display. The rubber stop is set at that working length, and the file is then removed and measured. The Endo Ai Motor does require that a lead be connected to a lip clip, but the file lead (the other endo of the circuit) runs through the handpiece attachment itself. If the handpiece is set to apical stop, the file will stop at the working length, where the rubber stop can then be immediately and accurately set, dramatically reducing the chances for error in length determination. As Dr. Stephen Buchanan put it, “Rotary positioning of the file based on electronic signals is deadon, immediate, and it cuts out at least 4 to 5 opportunities for error during length determinations with traditional methods”I.
That's Efficiency!
In summary, the Endo Ai motor from Woodpecker® will improve efficiency, ergonomics, speed up the work flow, and result in drop-dead accurate working length and proficient instrumentation.
Book an appointment today for an in-person demonstration.
Features a front center-of-gravity
Integrated length determination makes endodontic treatment safer and more efficient.
360˚ rotatable contra angle.
No cords to worry about or clutter the operating area.
Book an appointment today for an in-person demonstration.
REFERENCES
I. Rotary Negotiation as First File to Length, Dr. L. Stephen Buchanan, Dr. Christophe L.M. Verbanck, ENDO PRACTICE US Vol. 15, #4
About the Author
Brian Bevan, CRD Endodontic Product Manager
Over a lengthy career he has established excellent and enduring relationships with Key Opinion Leaders, Universities and Grad programs, and key dental industry contacts. Brian speaks to general dentists and specialists on an almost daily basis and is considered a valuable resource on the challenges and techniques essential to successful endodontics.
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This article was originally published in the Clinical Life™ magazine: Fall 2024 edition
Clinical Life™ magazine is a premier periodical publication by Clinical Research Dental Supplies & Services Inc. Discover compelling clinical cases from Canadian and US dental professionals, cutting-edge techniques, product insights, and continuing education events.
