Glide path in endodontics. Instruments available in the Brazilian market in 2022.
Glide path in endodontics: in FELIX, Sacha; DE MELO JÚNIOR, Paulo Maurício Reis. GLIDE PATH: THE KEY TO ENDODONTIC SUCCESS? Scientific-Clinical Dentistry, p. 121, 2020.
INTRODUCTION: Until the end of the 80's, the biomechanical preparation of endodontic treatment was only done with stainless steel burs and hand files. The characteristics presented by this metallic alloy, such as low flexibility, high elasticity modulus and high rigidity, made manufacturers search for better alternatives in its fabrication in order to minimize complications.
Nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) files were introduced that started to be driven by electric motors in continuous rotation, optimizing the clinical care time, providing better conformation of the canals and, because they have lower elasticity modulus, exerting less lateral forces on the dentin walls, especially in curved canals. However, the files of these systems still presented high rates of fracture, especially when used in root canals with complex anatomy.
With this, manufacturers started to recommend the Glide path (GP), before the use of these instruments, which aims to plan irregularities and possible intraradicular dentin interferences, from the entrance of the canal to its physiological exit in the foraminal constriction. The dental market offers manual instruments: K-Files (KF), C+Files (Dentsply Sirona, York, PA, USA), C-Pilot Files (VDW, Munich, Germany), Hi-5 Files (Miltex, York, PA), Pathfinder (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA), Senseus Profinder (JSDental / Sendoline, Ridgefield, CT), D-Finders (Mani, Tochigiken, Japan) and mechanical: PathFiles (PF; Dentsply Sirona, York, PA, USA), G-Files (Micro-Mega, Besançon Cedex, France), Hyflex EDM (Coltene - Whaledent, Allstetten, Switzerland), NiTi Scout RaCe ( FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), Proglider (Dentsply Sirona, York, PA, USA), Proglider Gold (Dentsply Sirona, York, PA, USA)5 and the more recent R-Pilot(VDW, Munich, Germany)6 and WaveOne Gold Glider (Dentsply Sirona, York, PA, USA).
The term glide means to glide, to flatten, and path means path, trajectory, direction. This term is often used in aviation where flight controllers are informed about the best angle and path to glide safely on final approach to the runway at the time of landing. Similarly, GP is used in Endodontics so that the action along the SCR is performed smoothly and safely.
In 2008, reciprocating motion was introduced to reduce the impact of cyclic fatigue on NiTi rotary instruments, allowing longer survival. These systems use a single file and performing GP is not considered mandatory.
In this context, what do the studies reveal about this procedure? What is its real influence in clinical endodontic practice? Do we have enough scientific evidence?
Glide path in endodontics.
