SELF ADJUSTING FILES IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY – A REVIEW

Abstract

Deciduous tooth is of great significance as it maintains the space for permanent dentition. Conventional pulpectomy procedure is performed with stainless steel hand files. The rigid nature of these files may cause bizarre canal shapes. The time taken during biomechanical preparation may lead to further worsening of the patient's cooperation, especially in Pediatric Endodontics. Though rotary file system has several advantages, it fails to clean the curved and oval shaped canals efficiently. The Self-Adjusting File (SAF) introduces a new era in Pediatric Endodontics by performing the conventional steps of shaping and cleaning at the same time. The SAF is a cylindrical hollow file that adjusts to the root canal in three dimensions and is a solitary file system formed of Ni-Ti matrix. The SAF is under continual irrigation through an irrigation device and works in an in-and-out vibration propelled by a handpiece. The SAF system has retained the original contour of the canals without dentinal cracks in primary teeth. The aim of this review is to describe design of the SAF, operational parameters and features, and advantages of SAF over other file systems in Pediatric Endodontics.