Int J Stomatol

Int J Stomatol ›› 2025, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (5): 561-571.doi: 10.7518/gjkq.2025081

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The technique and clinical application of root canal hand files

Jing Xue()   

  1. State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Dept. of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
  • Received:2025-01-03 Revised:2025-05-10 Online:2025-09-01 Published:2025-08-27
  • Contact: Jing Xue E-mail:jing_xue_scu@163.com

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Abstract:

Root-canal hand instruments, often referred to as hand files, are tools utilized in endodontic therapy to clean and enlarge the root canal through a push-pull motion from the crown to the root. In modern endodontic techniques, nic-kel-titanium instruments predominantly facilitate root canal preparation. However, hand instruments continue to play an irreplaceable role in various procedures, including canal exploration, canal patency, apical clearance, and root canal length measurement. This article reviews the evolution of hand files, tracing the development of materials from the initial use of carbon steel to stainless steel and now to nickel-titanium. The manufacturing standards have progressed from irregularities to ISO standards, alongside the emergence of various modified instruments. As a result, hand files increasingly meet diverse clinical needs, establishing themselves as indispensable tools in root canal therapy. Selecting appropriate hand instruments and employing proper techniques—such as thorough irrigation; and cleaning, along with ultrasonic irrigation; helps prevent complications such as postoperative swelling, root canal perforation, instrument separation, and ledge formation. This has become an essential component of root canal therapy.

Key words: root canal hand file, root canal preparation, nickel-titanium, instrument separation

CLC Number: 

  • R781

TrendMD: 
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