Advanced Endodontics

PROTAPER NEXT SYSTEM

Tulsa Dental Specialties
www.tulsadental.com
Toll Free (800) 662-1202
Phone (918) 493-6598
Fax (918) 493-6599

Outside USA & Canada,
Dentsply Maillefer

The ProTaper NEXT (PTN) System provides shaping advantages through the convergence of a variable tapered design on a given file (ProTaper Universal), innovative M-Wire technology, and a unique offset mass of rotation (as developed by Dr. Michael J. Scianamblo and the Dentsply International team).

There are 5 PTN files available, in different lengths, for shaping canals, namely X1, X2, X3, X4, and X5. In sequence, these files have yellow, red, blue, double black, and double yellow identification rings on their handles, corresponding to sizes 17/04, 25/06, 30/07, 40/06, and 50/06, respectively.

ProTaper NEXT Advantages:

  • Progressively percentage tapered design on a single file: The original ProTaper Universal NiTi rotary file system utilizes both an increasing and decreasing percentage tapered design on a single file. This design feature serves to minimize the contact between a file and dentin, which decreases dangerous taper lock and the screw effect, while increasing efficiency. Taking advantage of this mechanical design, ProTaper NEXT also utilizes progressive tapers on a single file.

  • M-Wire technology: Compared to traditional NiTi, research has shown that M-wire technology improves the resistance to cyclic fatigue by almost 400% when comparing files of the same tip diameter, taper and cross-section. The good news is M-wire improves the resistance to cyclic fatigue, decreases the potential for broken instruments, and increases flexibility. Incorporating M-Wire into the mechanical design of ProTaper NEXT represents a strategic improvement to the ProTaper brand of files.

  • Offset mass of rotation: PTN files produce a unique asymmetrical rotary motion and, at any given cross-section, the file only contacts the wall at 2 points. Clinically, this provides 3 significant advantages: (1) Reduced engagement due to the swaggering effect which limits undesirable taper lock; (2) Affords more cross-sectional space for enhanced cutting, loading, and augering debris; and (3) Allows any PTN file to cut a bigger envelope of motion compared to a similarly-sized file with a symmetrical mass and axis of rotation. This means a smaller-sized and more flexible PTN file can cut the same-size preparation as a larger and stiffer file with a centered mass and axis of rotation.

Use ProTaper Next files in any region of a canal that has a confirmed and reproducible glide path. Recommended speed is 300RPM with a torque from 4-5.2Ncm. Use a deliberate brushing motion, away from external root concavities, to facilitate file progression. The ProTaper NEXT sequence is always the same regardless of the length, diameter or curvature of the canal. For the step-by-step technique, download our ProTaper NEXT Technique Card