HyFlex EDM OGSF Orifice Opener 18/.11, 18mm (3)

HyFlex EDM · Orifice Opener 18/.11 · 18 mm

Coronal accessStraight part of the canalOGSF step 1

Open the coronal third first – the Orifice Opener that starts the OGSF sequence

Coltene’s OGSF sequence runs Opener, Glider, Shaper, Finisher, and this is the Opener. An 18/.11 file on an 18 mm shaft, it creates space for coronal access in the straight part of the canal before the glide path file goes to length. Coltene make it in 18 mm only.

Sizes as Coltene print them: tip diameter / taper. Motor settings from Coltene’s HyFlex EDM OGSF instructions for use (REV-03-2023).

This pack: Coltene HyFlex EDM OGSF Orifice Opener, Size 18, .11 Taper, 18 mm (Pack of 3) · presterilised
Coltene · Coltène/Whaledent GmbH + Co. KG, Langenau, Germany

What this file does

›  Its purpose, in the instructions. Opener files: “Create space for coronal access”
›  Straight part only. Step 1 is plain about where it stops: “Do not use this file in the curved part of the root canal.”
›  Hand over at resistance. Coltene: “Proceed to Step 2 as soon as resistance is felt.” Then check patency with a hand file, canal irrigated and lubricated.

Where it sits in the sequence

1  Coronal access. Straight-line access, then a hand file (Coltene say up to 20/.02) or a rotary glide path file, with irrigant such as NaOCl in the canal. Orifice Opener 18/.11 creates space coronally.

2  Glide path. Glidepath File 15/.03 to working length, at 300 rpm.

3  Shape. Shaping File 18/.045 to working length.

4  Finish. Finishing File 30/.04 to working length; larger finishers if needed.

Summarised from Coltene’s HyFlex EDM OGSF instructions for use (REV-03-2023). Your clinical judgement governs the case; the instructions for use govern the file.

How every HyFlex EDM file is used

Coltene give one handling rule for every file in the range: “Place the file in the canal without running engine. When the file cannot proceed any further move it back 1mm until it is free of the walls. Then start the engine and proceed forward slowly using tapping movements and without applying pressure.” Irrigate the canal frequently, keep it lubricated, and clean the spirals every time the file comes out.

Questions we get asked

Why 18 mm and not 25 mm?
Because it works coronally and is kept out of the curve. Coltene list the Orifice Opener refill at 18 mm only.

Is it the same as the older 25/.12 opener?
No. The OGSF sequence has its own 18/.11 Orifice Opener, which Coltene describe as new to the sequence. This page is that file.

Which motor settings?
Coltene set 400 rpm and up to 2.5 Ncm for the HyFlex EDM files (the 2025 instructions allow 400–500 rpm on the classic files), and 300 rpm and up to 1.8 Ncm for the glide path files, in continuous rotation on a low-speed contra-angle. Set it in a custom programme on any of the three endo motors we stock: X-Smart® Go · X-Smart® Pro+ · VDW.SILVER® RECIPROC®.

Can I pre-bend them?
Coltene say so: “Like stainless steel files, the HyFlex EDM files can be pre-bent.” They put it down to the Controlled Memory heat treatment of the nickel-titanium.

Anything to check before use?
Coltene’s instructions carry one patient caution: HyFlex EDM files “contain Nickel and Titanium and should not be used on patient with known allergic sensitivity to these metals.” And before each use, a manual check that the file is correctly fixed in the contra-angle.

Complete the case

HyFlex EDM Orifice Opener 18/.11, 18 mm (3) · heat-treated NiTi, electric discharge machined · 400 rpm · up to 2.5 Ncm · presterilised · Coltene · REF 60036140