A Case with Denco's Chameleon PRO FLEXI FILES
Treating teeth with obliterated canals and apical curvatures poses significant endodontic challenges, from limited canal visibility to higher risks of instrument issues. This case study outlines the successful single-visit root canal treatment of a lower left first molar—featuring obliterated mesial canals, an obliterated apical third of the distal canal, and a slight apical curvature in the distal canal—using Denco's Chameleon PRO FLEXI FILES in a “manualless” (no manual FILES) technique. It highlights how the FILES’ design and metallurgy simplify complex preparation for efficient, reliable results.
Patient Presentation & Clinical/Radiographic Findings
A male patient visited the clinic with severe pain in his lower left first molar, which caused sleepless nights. Key evaluations revealed:
- Old dental restorations with recurrent caries (confirmed both clinically and radiographically).
Pre-operative X-ray showed:
- Fully obliterated mesial canals (MB: mesio-buccal; ML: mesio-lingual).
- Obliterated apical third of the distal canals (DB: disto-buccal; DL: disto-lingual).
- Slight abrupt apical curvature in the distal canals.
Treatment Plan
Given the patient’s severe pain and need for rapid relief, single-visit root canal treatment was selected. A “manualless” technique was adopted, made possible by Denco's Chameleon PRO FLEXI FILES—their specialized sequence and metallurgy eliminate the need for manual FILES, even in obliterated, curved canals.
Treatment Procedure
All steps relied on Denco's Chameleon PRO FLEXI FILES for precise, efficient preparation:
- Access & Orifice Localization: Old restorations and recurrent caries were removed. Canal orifices (MB, ML, DB, DL) were localized using magnification, despite mesial canal obliteration.
- Manualless Glide Path: The Chameleon 19/02 Rotary File (size 19, taper 0.02) created a smooth glide path in obliterated canals—no manual FILESneeded.
- Canal Shaping with 20/04 File: A seamless transition to the Chameleon 20/04 Rotary File (size 20, taper 0.04) followed. Chemomechanical preparation was done with this file, plus copious irrigation of all canals using 2.5% NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) for disinfection and debris removal.
- Final Apical Shaping:
- Mesial canals (MB, ML): Chameleon 25/04 Rotary File (size 25, taper 0.04) served as the “Master Apical File.”
- Distal canals (DB, DL): Larger preparation with Chameleon 25/06 Rotary File (size 25, taper 0.06) to accommodate the apical curvature.
- Obturation & Coronal Restoration: All canals were obturated via the hydraulic condensation technique with bioceramic sealer. Coronal restoration was completed in the same visit to restore function and protect the canal system.
Outcomes & Advantages of Denco's Chameleon PRO FLEXI FILES
- Immediate Pain Relief: The patient reported full resolution of severe pain post-treatment.
- Anatomical Preservation: Post-treatment radiographs confirmed proper shaping and obturation of all canals—no perforation, ledging, or instrument separation.
- Efficient Manualless Technique: The FILES’ design cut treatment time, reduced operator fatigue, and minimized error, critical for single-visit success.
Key file benefits:
- Specialized 19/02 → 20/04 → 25/04/25/06 sequence for gradual, safe preparation in obliterated/curved canals.
- Advanced metallurgy offers flexibility (for curvatures) and durability (resists fracture).
- Efficient cutting action removes debris effectively, shortening procedure time.
Conclusion
Denco's Chameleon PRO FLEXI FILES enable successful management of complex root canal cases—like this lower left first molar with obliterated canals and apical curvature—even in single visits. Their manualless compatibility, design, and performance make them a reliable tool for dentists seeking predictable, patient-centered endodontic outcomes.
