June 10, 2026

Rotary vs Reciprocating Files Part 2 with Samuel Johnson – PDP271

51 minutes

Is rotary really better than reciprocating?

Can you safely skip the glide path with modern reciprocating systems?

What is the best file system for a GDP who wants predictable endodontic results?

And perhaps the biggest question of all: does the file system matter as much as we think it does?

In Part 2 of the Endo Showdown, Dr Samuel Johnson returns to tackle some of the most common questions dentists have about file systems, glide path preparation, retreatment, and endodontic workflow. From practical negotiation tips to choosing a system that works in your hands, this episode focuses on the decisions that can make endodontics simpler, safer, and more predictable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onZMR-872HQ

Watch PDP271 on YouTube

Protrusive Dental Pearl

Cut your gutta-percha at the level of the canal orifice and thoroughly clean the pulp chamber before placing the coronal restoration.

⚠️ Leaving gutta-percha and sealer coronally can compromise the coronal seal and promote leakage.

✅ Use isopropyl alcohol to clean resin-based sealer residue before bonding. Water is effective for cleaning bioceramic sealers.

Key Takeaways

Establish a glide path before shaping whenever possible.

D-Finders can negotiate difficult canals more predictably than traditional K-files.

Intermediate files such as size 12 or 12.5 can help bridge the jump from size 10 to size 15.

Straight-line access reduces file binding and improves shaping efficiency.

Avoid forcing glide path files to working length.

Gates Glidden drills may be unnecessarily aggressive for routine coronal flaring.

Consistency with one file system is often more important than chasing the latest product.

WaveOne Gold remains a simple and user-friendly option for many GDPs.

Rotary and reciprocating systems can both achieve successful outcomes when used appropriately.

A good glide path is often more important than the type of motion being used.

Hand files and Hedström files remain valuable during retreatment.

Mechanical GP removal near the apex increases the risk of extrusion.

Solvents are best reserved for residual gutta-percha rather than used at the start of retreatment.

Understanding motor settings, torque, and RPM improves file safety and efficiency.

Knowing when to refer is a sign of clinical maturity, not weakness.

Clear consent and expectation management reduce stress for both clinician and patient.

Highlights of this episode:

00:00 Teaser

01:09 Introduction

02:15 Protrusive Dental Pearl: Coronal GP Removal & Pulp Chamber Clean-Up

03:59 Glide Path File Protocol & Canal Negotiation

06:24 Access Cavity Design & Coronal Flaring in RCT

08:38 File Taper & Canal Preparation Philosophy

09:54 Managing Difficult Canals in Endodontic Treatment

11:48 When to Introduce the Glide Path File

13:24 Using Intermediate File Sizes

15:39 Useful Negotiation & Shaping Tips

17:19 Choosing a File System

20:19 Rotary vs Reciprocating in Clinical Practice

21:29 Motor Settings & File Control

21:40 XP-Endo & Specialised File Designs

22:05 Endo Motor Ads

24:44 XP-Endo & Specialised File Designs

25:16 Retreatment Files & GP Removal

26:08 Preferred Gutta-Percha Removal

31:21 Recommended System for Simplicity

32: 44 Building Skills Faster in Endodontics

36:13 Consent & Managing Expectations

41:51 Reciproc vs WaveOne Gold

42:22 Preferred Retreatment Protocol

43:33 Using Rotary Files in Reciprocation

45:12 Curved Canals & Shaping Efficiency

46:32 Can Reciproc Blue Bypass the Glide Path?

49:29 Outro

Want more?

Check out the previous episode with Dr. Samuel Johnson: Working Lengths and Troubleshooting Apex Locators – PDP216

🦷 Looking for an endomotor?

Upgrade your endodontic workflow with the Woodpecker Endo Radar Pro. Head to protrusive.co.uk/endomotor and use coupon code PROTRUSIVE at checkout to claim an exclusive discount and your choice of complimentary file system.

🎁 Subscribe to Dr. Samuel Johnson’s amazing YouTube Channel: I Love The Pulp for more helpful endodontics tips and tricks.

#PDPMainEpisodes #EndoRestorative

This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.

This episode meets GDC Outcomes C

AGD Subject Code: 070 – Endodontics

Aim: To enhance clinicians’ understanding of glide path preparation, rotary and reciprocating instrumentation, canal negotiation, retreatment strategies, and risk management in contemporary endodontic practice.

Dentists will be able to –

Dentists will be able to evaluate the role of glide path preparation in improving shaping efficiency and reducing procedural errors.

Dentists will be able to compare practical considerations when using rotary and reciprocating file systems.

Dentists will be able to apply safe and predictable approaches to canal negotiation, retreatment, and clinical decision-making.

...more

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By Jaz Gulati

4.7

2020 ratings