(This post is mainly for the dentists in the audience, as it's about a specific technology. But anyone can read it!)
We use the remarkable EndoVac in our endodontic treatments.
The EndoVac is a combined suction and syringe that does a much better job than blunt needles at flushing the canals with NaOCl. There is a small suction tip that you actually put in the canals. This draws the NaOCl down by negative pressure, getting much more irrigant to the apex and agitating it there. And then there’s a tiny metal canula that you put all the way to working length.
Looking in the Microscope, I cannot believe the amount of debris that comes out of the canals when I use the EndoVac.
I also notice that the rotary files are working with half the effort when I use the EndoVac. Which means faster treatment and less chance of file breakage.
Studies have even shown that patients have less post-operative pain when the EndoVac is used for root canal irrigation. I find this too. Patients just don't have much pain after treatment anymore.
The EndoVac is thus a remarkable innovation, but it's also a bit of a hangar queen! What I mean is, it clogs frequently. We obturate with Resilon in our office. I found that the Smear Clear (which is necessary after NaOCl when using Resilon) crystallizes and blocks the tubing, especially at the junction with the main hub; see arrow:
I have found a hack for preventing clogs in the EndoVac. It has two parts.
(1) The Blue line comes with opaque, soft tubing, and the White line comes with clear, more firm tubing. Switch the opaque tubing out for another clear one on the Blue line. The opaque tubing is more prone to clogs, especially with Smear Clear.
(2) After each case, flush both lines with HOT water. And flush the metal irrigation canula as well. But especially flush the suction lines.
Every now and then you may need to clean that junction with a small brush as well.
The EndoVac is a remarkable device with all kinds of benefits. It takes a little maintenance to keep 'er flying though!
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