HEROShapers®: the adapted pitch concept

Abstract

The adapted pitch concept involves varying the pitch and the length of the cutting portion as a function of the taper of the instruments. By modifying these parameters, it is possible to select the instrument with the strength, efficacy, flexibility, and taper best suited for the root canal being prepared.In the HEROShaper® sequence, instruments with a 0.06 taper are used to prepare and enlarge the coronal and middle thirds of the canal. These instruments have a longer pitch for enhanced flexibility and dentine cutting efficacy. The removal of dentinal chips is facilitated and the tendency to screw in is reduced. Instruments with a 0.04 taper are used to prepare the apical portion because they have a shorter pitch and cutting portion (12 mm), which makes them stronger and more flexible. They can thus negotiate apical curvatures without deviating from the initial canal axis.The files are used in a continuous rotation mode (450–600 r.p.m.) to progressively prepare the root canal (crown‐down). The sequences are selected based on the difficulty of the original canal shape.