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by Dr Mandy Liu, Dentist Mandy, Bondi Beach, NS
I teach endodontics at the University of Sydney and HyFlex CM are the recommended files for root canals. The first time I used them, I was amazed at how simple and flexible they are. I now use them regularly in my own clinic.
What’s good about them
While I don’t do that many root canals at my practice, when I need it, it’s nice to have HyFlex on hand. Most of my root canal patients are overseas visitors who come in with a painful tooth.
HyFlex CM files can handle extremely curved canals without issues. These files are manufactured in such a way that they are flexible and highly unlikely to fracture. In the 12 months I’ve been using them, they have performed well and made difficult root canals much easier.
I also use Protaper Next files for straightforward root canals. The HyFlex files are designed for more difficult cases with curved to extremely curved canals. There is a range of HyFlex files to suit multiple types of cases. I always use a pre-operative X-ray as an indication of what files are needed. I also think it’s a good idea to have at least two different systems in your clinic.
What’s not so good
Beyond cost, which is always an issue, the main problem is that they have such a wide range of files, it can be complicated. The first time I ordered them, I chose the wrong system and had no way of using it. I initially thought the files I used at the university may be specifically for students. As it turned out, I had just ordered the wrong thing.
