(TC22) Modern Nickel Titanium: An Update on Available Technology and Clinical Applications

Abstract: The introduction of nickel titanium in 1988 facilitated a paradigm shift in the way endodontists approached instrumentation. As clinicians began to embrace the new alloy, classic iatrogenic errors that were so painfully familiar with stainless steel hand instrumentation became increasingly more seldom. However, as with the incorporation of any new technology, it was not without its own challenges. While NiTi greatly reduced procedural errors and facilitated faster case completion, the incidence of instrument separation became a new focus. Since that time, there have been countless efforts by researchers and manufacturers alike to improve on the mechanical properties of NiTi in order to minimize these procedural errors while still retaining the original advantages over stainless steel. Improvements from the conventional NiTi have seen the likes of M-wire, R-phase, controlled memory wire, and files whose characteristics result from proprietary heat treatment processes. The purpose of this table clinic is to provide clinicians with an update on the current NiTi market and its clinical capabilities. Examples will be available for each design class of modern NiTi as well as a discussion on their clinical applications. With this update, the clinician will be more familiar with current technology available in order to approach every case in a way that will maximize speed and efficiency while minimizing procedural errors and suboptimal outcomes.