In 1976 an adapted ultrasonic scaling instrument was introduced for use in endodontics and the technique was called Endosonics. The instrument works at frequencies of 25 to 40 kHz. The file undergoes a characteristic oscillatory movement of alternating nodes and antinodes with the greatest displacement occurring at the tip and this prepares the walls of the canal. When an associated irrigant such as sodium hypochlorite is passed over the file then the fluid is moved around the canal by streaming forces produced by the oscillating tip. There is a synergistic action of the physical action of the tip coupled with the chemical action of the sodium hypochlorite irrigant. Acoustic microstreaming forces within the irrigant together with the oscillation of the file are useful for disloging or flushing out obstructions within the canal.
The sonic endosonic handpiece operates at much lower frequencies of around 1 to 3 kHz and its oscillation is different to the ultrasonic handpiece. Although it exhibits a large vertical movement in air this changes to a vertical motion when loaded within the root canal. This movement coupled with the design of the files produces an efficient tool for preparing the root canal and can prove to be an efficient clinical technique. The technique of Endosonics does appear to improve debridement and produce canals which are smother to clinical feel and there may be increased bactericidal action with the technique. Once again this can prove to be a useful instrument for removing obstructions from the canal
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