What is the Use of K Files & H Files?

In the realm of dental procedures, the use of K files and H type files is common in endodontics, which is the branch of dentistry focused on treating infected dental pulp and root canal system. If you don’t know much about these files and why professionals use them, then this post can give you a quick idea.

Helps with Cleaning and Shaping

K and h type of files are specifically designed instruments used for cleaning and even shaping the root canals during endodontic treatment. They help eradicate infected or necrotic tissue, bacteria, and even debris from the canals. Hence, they help facilitate effective disinfection.

To be precise, K and H-type files are dental instruments used in endodontic procedures. They differ in cross-sectional shape and cutting action. K-type files have a triangular or square cross-section and get used in a clockwise rotational motion to cut and shape the entire root canal. H type of files have a helical cross-section and get used in a filing motion to eradicate debris and smooth the entire canal walls.

Proper Tapered Design

These files have a sort of tapered shape, meaning they gradually grow in diameter from the tip to the shaft. The taper helps in creating a conical shape inside the root canal, ensuring optimal irrigation and even placement of root canal filling material.

Immense Flexibility

NiTi versions of K and H-type files offer immense flexibility, enabling effective navigation of intricate and curved root canals. This sort of flexibility enhances productivity and even effectiveness during endodontic processes.

Immense Size Variety

K and H files are available in a huge range of sizes, with tip sizes spanning from ISO 6 to even 140. This wide size variation is essential for dentists as it enables them to precisely match the dimensions of the root canal they may be treating. The right size selection is critical in ensuring accurate cleaning and shaping of the canal.

Each size signifies the diameter of the file’s working end, with larger sizes representing a larger diameter. Smaller sizes, such as ISO 6 or 8, are generally used for narrow and curved canals, whereas larger sizes, like ISO 100 or 140, are apt for wider canals.  

Proper Compatibility with Rotary Systems

It is your responsibility that you look into this aspect. K and h types of files can be used with hand instruments or even in conjunction with rotary systems, such as rotary files. This is the type of versatility that enables the dentists to choose the most suitable and effective technique based on the specific case, complexity, and overall personal preference.

Smoothing Canal Walls

The cutting edges of K and H-type files are designed to scrape and remove any irregularities or dentin attachments on the walls of the root canal. This is the process that is known as filing or even reaming, helps smoothen the canal walls, boosting the adherence of the root canal filling material.

Cost-effective option 

These files are generally affordable compared to some of the more advanced and progressive endodontic instruments. Their cost-effectiveness makes them accessible and even widely used in dental practices. You can make the most of them when you have the right quality and effective files in hand.

Helps with proper Intraoperative Assessment

When using these types of files , being a dentist, you can assess the progress of the treatment by evaluating the tactile feedback. The resistance encountered during the time of instrumentation provides valuable information about the canal anatomy, any sort of blockages, or potential complications.

Conclusion 

To sum up, it is critical for you to know and understand that the specific use of h files and k type of files may vary depending on the individual case, even the dentist’s expertise, and advancements in endodontic techniques. So, make sure that you check all these aspects before you start looking for them.