(TC28) The Clinical Use of GP Remover Spears as an Adjunct in Nonsurgical Endodontic Retreatment

Abstract: Nonsurgical endodontic retreatment requires the removal of existing obturation material for chemomechanical preparation and re-disinfection of the root canal system as a precursor to successful retreatment. The endodontic literature discusses multiple techniques for removing gutta-percha, including using endodontic hand files, heat-carrying instruments, and rotary instruments, with or without the aid of solvents. However, complete removal of previous obturation materials is often cumbersome. A novel hand instrument, the GP Remover Spears, has been developed by YDM Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), to aid in removing gutta-percha. The GP Remover Spears come in three tip diameters (0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, and 0.7 mm), with two different “catching” tip shapes (single or double), and two different tip lengths (21 mm and 28 mm). The tips offer 360 degrees of cutting edge to maximize canal cleaning potential. They can be ordered as single-ended or double-ended instruments, with handles of either 6 mm diameter or 8 mm diameter. Their unique design allows for easier visualization, control, and reach of areas where obturation materials are more challenging to remove, such as in fins, compared to hand files and rotary instruments. This table clinic aims to demonstrate clinical tips on using the GP Remover Spears as an adjunct in removing gutta-percha and carriers, utilizing previously obturated plastic block teeth. The YDM GP Remover Spears offer an expanded endodontic armamentarium to maximize gutta-percha removal for successful retreatment.