SafeSiders Gutta Percha

Allan S. Deutsch, D.M.D.
SafeSiders Gutta Percha

Allan Deutsch

SSENTIAL DENTAL SYSTEMS is now selling its own SafeSiders® matching gutta percha points. These points are designed to be used with the full sequence of SafeSiders reamers. The gutta percha is made to fit the preparation that the dentist makes in the canal when finishing with either a 25/.06 or 25/.08 NiTi SafeSiders instrument. The gutta percha comes in three sizes and an assorted package.

You may ask yourself, “Why do we need three sizes of gutta percha when the preparation is made to a 25/.08?” The quick answer is that the preparation is the same, but the teeth are different. Finishing to an .08 taper will not be the same in a short straight canal as it will be in a long straight canal, or in a canal with a gradual curve, or in a canal with a sharp curve. Not only do teeth differ, but the dentist can elect to finish the apex to a number 25, 30, or 35 instrument. All of these variables result in different size canals with varying tapers. In this case, one size gutta percha does not fit all.
Therefore, we have made three sizes of gutta percha points, numbers 1, 2, and 3. Number two will fit most of the time when preparing a canal to a 25/.08 taper using the new pink SafeSiders sequence card. This pink card prepares the canal to a #35 to the apex with an .08 taper in the canal. If, on the other hand, you find a canal that is tight, and you finish the apex to a #25 or #30, the red #1 SafeSiders gutta percha will be the size to use to obturate this canal. If the canal is long, the SafeSiders green #3 may be the correct size. Pick a gutta percha point to start, and then begin the procedure of fitting the point in the canal. “Fitting a Gutta Percha Point” is a full-length article with pictures and technique that describes the fitting of a gutta percha point in detail. You will find it here. Happy reading.

April - June 2007

When doing your final rinse with chlorhexidine it’s important to leave it in the canal for two minutes. I also like to initially agitate it in the canal using my final SafeSiders instrument in the reciprocating handpiece. I then re-flush the canal and wait my two minutes. This procedure helps to insure movement of the solution to the apex. Overkill? Maybe, but like chicken soup for a cold . . . it won’t hurt!
Doug Kase

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