ProTaper Ultimate™ F3, 21mm (6)

ProTaper Ultimate™ · F3 · 21 mm

Wider canalsApical shapingDeep shape

The last Finisher in the standard sequence, on a short shaft

F2 came out loose and clean as well. Then the canal is wider than F2’s tip, and Dentsply Sirona’s standard sequence finishes on F3: 30/.09v, gold heat-treated, the steepest apical taper of the three standard Finishers. This is the 21 mm version – the same file on the shortest shaft, for short teeth or where opening is limited.

Sizes as Dentsply Sirona print them. Motor settings from their Fact File.

This pack: ProTaper Ultimate™ F3 Rotary File, 21 mm (Pack of 6)
Dentsply Sirona · made by Maillefer Instruments Holding Sàrl, Ballaigues, Switzerland

What this file does

›  9% at the apex. The deep-shape principle carried to the largest standard Finisher – F1 7%, F2 8%, F3 9% apical taper.
›  Why Dentsply Sirona want the shape deep. Their Fact File argues that removing debris and smear layer by irrigation is less predictable apically than coronally, and that apical shape influences it – so the Finishers keep the apical taper up.
›  Gold heat-treated. Post-grinding, the same as the Shaper, F1 and F2.

Where it sits in Dentsply Sirona’s sequence

1  Only after F2. If F2 is loose at length and its apical flutes are not loaded with debris, select F3 and use it the same way (step 12).

2  Finished when two things agree. “The preparation is finished when the apical extent of any Finisher is loaded with debris, and the corresponding Gutta-Percha Point fits at the WL” (step 15).

3  Then disinfect and dry. 3-D disinfection with the EndoActivator®, then matched absorbent points (steps 16–17).

Paraphrased and quoted from the Dentsply Sirona, ProTaper Ultimate™ step-by-step procedure. Your clinical judgement governs the case; the instructions for use govern the file.

Questions we get asked

What if F3 is loose too?
Dentsply Sirona’s literature does not go past F3 in the standard sequence. The auxiliary FX and FXL have their own sequence, for larger and straighter canals – it is worth reading their procedure before switching mid-case.

Which cone and point?
The F3 ones, matched to the colour and size of the last file used.

Which motor?
400 rpm and 4–5.2 Ncm for every file in the range. Dentsply Sirona list a ProTaper Ultimate™ library among the X-Smart® Go’s presets; on the X-Smart® Pro+ it is set as a custom sequence, and on the VDW.SILVER® in a Dr’s Choice slot (VDW manual: up to 4.1 Ncm). All three are linked below.

When do I throw it away?
Dentsply Sirona’s procedure: inspect the flutes on every removal, and if you see unwinding, straightening or stretching, discard it and use a new file.

Complete the case

ProTaper Ultimate™ F3, 21 mm (6) · 030.009v · Gold heat treatment · NiTi rotary · 400 rpm, 4–5.2 Ncm · Dentsply Sirona · REF BSTPULR6210F3