Hedstroem File ( endodontic instrument ) uses and safety tips

Hedstroem File ( endodontic instrument ) uses and safety tips

Design & Structure

Hedstroem files are manufactured from round steel wire by grinding. The angle between the long-axis and the cutting blade is close to right angle, which is why preparation by Hedstroem files is effective only when using a filing motion (up and down movement).

Sizes & Codes

Hedstroems come in sizes 08 – 140, all with a taper of 0.02. H-file design is identified by the circle symbol on the handle.

Recommended use

Hedstroem can be used both in straight canals and curved canals. The hedstroem prepares dentin effectively only when using a filing, up and down motion. In curved canals, files (sizes 20/25 and bigger) must be pre-curved to correspond to the shape of the curve. H-files must always fit loosely in the canal to avoid risk for fracture. This is easily obtained by selecting a smaller H-file after each rotating instrument. Small sizes up to #25 can be used down into full preparation length while bigger sizes are often used 1 – 3 mm short.

 Safety tips

Hedstroem files show a greater risk for fracture than reamers and K-files if used in a wrong way. However, correctly used H-files rarely fracture. Hedstroem must always fit loosely in the canal and they must never be rotated. In curved canals Hedstroem-files are pre-curved to correspond to the shape of the canal. Before introducing them into the canal, all Hedstroem files must be inspected for possible earlier damage to the instrument and discarded immediately if an asymmetry in the cutting area is found.

Tags: Hedstroem File: Design & Structure, Hedstroem File: Recommended use, Hedstroem File: Safety tips, Hedstroem File: Sizes & Codes

Category: Endodontics