Getting Started

The Self-Adjusting File (SAF) is a hollow file, designed as an elastically compressible, thin-walled pointed cylinder, composed of a unique nickel-titanium mesh. The SAF's patented lattice-like design makes the instrument extremely flexible, to fit the cross-section of the canal at any location. Unlike standard central-solid-core instruments, the SAF will adapt itself to virtually any root canal anatomy and shape it in a minimally invasive way, removing a uniform layer of dentin from a larger percent of the canal wall than standard instruments, while conserving sound tooth structure.

For the first time, irrigation is performed continuously and simultaneously with the shaping of the canal and without danger of a sodium hypochlorite accident. An irrigation barb, incorporated into the hollow shank of the file, enables the dentist to continuously dispense irrigation fluid, in a pressure-less manner, through the file during the entire shaping process in order to achieve superior cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system.

As the SAF System's operation is different from any other endodontic instrumentation system, it is important to follow these Clinical Guidelines, in order to achieve a uniform circumferential preparation of the root canal system and a high level of cleanliness, while reducing unnecessary mechanical load on the file.

The SAF may be operated with any of the following devices:

1. SAF_basic System: includes the VATEA peristaltic irrigation device and the RDT3/RDT3-NX handpiece head. The SAF_basic system may be operated with various endodontic motors (which are not supplied with the system), and provides the ability to work with continuous simultaneous irrigation and to operate the SAF System using the unique RDT3 handpiece head.
2. SAF^pro System::-includes the multifunctional EndoStation™ endodontic motor, with an integrated peristaltic irrigation pump. It enables the dentist to use various motorized endodontic systems, including the Self-Adjusting File (SAF), as well as all major brands of endodontic rotary and reciprocating instrumentation systems. The autonomic EndoStation™ is operated by a footswitch and provides a high level of workmanship and usability.
3. SAF^edge System: includes the multifunctional EndoStation_mini™ endodontic motor, with an integrated peristaltic irrigation pump. This system is ergonomic and lightweight, rechargeable and activated by a hand-switch located on the micromotor. It enables the dentist to operate the Self-Adjusting File (SAF) System, as well as all major brands of rotary endodontic instruments. The SAF^edge System includes the ZipperLine™ cable, that embeds the irrigation tube into the micromotor cord.
4. Other electronically-controlled motors with integral irrigation pumps: the SAF System can also be operated by various types of physiodispensers, endodontic motors with an integral irrigation pump and dental units with an integral irrigation pump. The important features of such a compatible device would require it to include either an E-type or an F-type micromotor, torque limitation and speed control that allows operation at 5,000 rpm, as well as a peristaltic irrigation pump that allows continuous simultaneous flow at 4 mL/min with sodium hypochlorite. Such available motors are the EndoPilot by Schlumbohm, EndoCenter and EndoDuo by Acteon (Satelec) and several more.

To get used to the concept of SAF, we suggest that you gradually adopt the use of the system into your clinical routine:

1. Start with simple, accessible teeth, preferably incisors, canines or premolars, with initial canal diameters of #20 or more and with straight or mildly curved canals; then move on to more complicated cases.
2. An irrigation flow rate of 4 mL/min is recommended. However, if you find this flow difficult to control, it is recommended to adjust the irrigation flow setting to 2-3 mL/minin the beginning and advance to 4 mL/min as you grow accustomed to controlling the continuous irrigation. The irrigation flow rate can be adjusted according to the convenience of the dentist, but it is recommended to always maintain the flow rate at a sufficient level, in order to assure proper cleaning and disinfection. Without continuous irrigation, or with insufficient level of irrigation, the dentin that was removed by the SAF may not be washed away, and might remain in the canal in the form of a thick residue.
3. The recommended operation time for the SAF is 4 minutes , during which simultaneous shaping, cleaning, irrigation and irrigant agitation are performed. In cases of extremely contaminated root canals, a usage of 6 minutes may be considered, at your professional discretion.