johnsmachines

A new tool came into my possession today.  It is a tapered, flexible, 1mm diameter reamer-file, made from nickel titanium.

It is used for reaming-filing cavities, and can go around bends to some degree.

The nickel titanium reamer. 1mm diameter tapering down to 10 microns.

It  operates at around 300rpm, and despite its flexibility, it has been known to break off in the job.

My dentist used it today to clean out a root canal.

He was quite happy to have a customer who was interested in the technology, and not totally focussed on the issue of pain.  As a matter of fact, it was not painful at all.  Yay!!

Apparently, if the tip does break off, and is not retrievable, it forms part of the new canal filling.  Nickel allergy does not seem to be an issue.  (not sure why.)  They cost about $25 each.  My root canal required 6-8 of them.

Just thought that you might be interested.