Why I Made the Switch: Reciproc Blue by Dr. Rodrigo Sanches Cunha

Categories: Endodontics;
Why I Made the Switch: Reciproc Blue

by Dr. Rodrigo Sanches Cunha


After 13 years happily working with the same reciprocating file system, I did not imagine I would switch, until I tried Reciproc Blue.

There are only nine endodontists in the province of Manitoba, Canada, where I practice, so my partner and I have seven identical running operatories in our practice to accommodate the volume of patients. It is therefore critical for us to utilize state-of-the-art technologies such as CBCT scanners, surgical microscopes, and HD cameras with multiple monitor setups to optimize treatment planning, maintain an efficient workflow, and offer our patients the highest quality care.

I’ve always been an advocate for reciprocating motion in root canal preparation. The efficiency and reduced instrument fatigue made sense to me both clinically and biomechanically, and there is a lower risk of file separation.1 For younger general dentists, the learning curve for the reciprocating instruments is also shorter than for other file systems. I think it therefore makes sense to start with the reciprocating motion as soon as a student graduates from dental school.

The switch
When Dentsply Sirona introduced Reciproc Blue to the North American market, I was initially hesitant to switch as my previous reciprocating system served me well through many years of cases. There were three factors that convinced me.

First, there is ample evidence including a comprehensive clinical study recently published in the International Endodontic Journal2 showing that endodontic treatment protocols incorporating Reciproc instruments are superior in terms of long-term tooth survival and reduce the need for reintervention.

Second, a fellow endodontist I greatly respect recommended that I try the Reciproc Blue. Once I had the opportunity to use it, I was immediately convinced.

Last but not least, the Reciproc Blue file cuts even more efficiently, allowing for more time to irrigate so you can disinfect and agitate the solution more often. In more cases, I am able to reach the apical portion of my working length without a glide path file.

At approximately the same time, our practice also upgraded to the X-Smart Pro+ endodontic motors which drive the files. The motor’s integrated apex locator is also a helpful and confidence-inspiring feature.

Takeaway
Sometimes the best clinical decisions come from being willing to step outside our comfort zone. I’m grateful to my colleague for the push, and I’m glad I was open-minded enough to try the new file. My practice is more efficient, and my confidence in achieving excellent outcomes has never been higher.

References
1. Kiefner, P, Ban, M, De-Deus, G. (2013) International Endodontic Journal, 47 (5): 430–6, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24033466
2. Elmaasarawi, A., Mekhemar, M. & Bartols, A. (2025) Influence of different endodontic treatment protocols on tooth survival: A retrospective cohort study with multistate analysis and group balancing. International Endodontic Journal, 00, 1–22. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.14271

This content is sponsored by Dentsply Sirona.
For more information, visit dentsplysirona.com.


Author Bio
Dr. Rodrigo Sanches Cunha Dr. Rodrigo Sanches Cunha is an endodontist with more than 25 years of clinical, academic, and research experience. A former professor and past CAE president, he has published extensively, lectured at more than 200 events worldwide, and co-founded Prairie Endodontics, where he now practices full time.



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