Patent ID: 6042375
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
An endodontic instrument system adapted for anatomical removal and for anatomical cleaning of essentially all pulp material from the operative middle portion and the apical root portion of an operative root canal in a tooth, the endodontic instrument system comprising:a first endodontic instrument means for anatomical removal and anatomical cleaning of essentially all pulp material from the operative middle portion without significantly extending into the apical root portion, said first endodontic instrument means comprising:operative middle portion instrument means for flexibly conforming to the anatomical shape of the operative middle portion so as to effect removal and cleaning of pulp material as the first instrument means is operatively moved, said operative middle portion instrument means having an abrading portion with a length corresponding to at least the length of the operative middle portion in order to remove pulp material from essentially all of the operative middle portion of the root canal, said operative middle portion instrument means being able to flex such that the abrading portion is urged against root canal surfaces while the operative middle portion instrument means is rotated and moved in a cleaning motion, thereby enabling contours of the operative middle portion to be used as a guide for movement of the operative middle portion instrument means in order to conform to the anatomical shape of the operative middle portion; andend means for grasping and operatively moving in an abrasive action the operative middle portion instrument means while bending and flexing the operative middle portion instrument means; anda second endodontic instrument means for removal and cleaning of essentially all remaining pulp material from the apical root portion after the pulp material has been essentially removed from the operative middle portion.