The Endo Q training device conveniently allows teaching and practicing endodontic techniques with real teeth outside of the human patient. The proprietary materials used replicate the cortical bone structure as well as the periodontal ligament properties of the jaw when surrounded by an embedded tooth. The materials are radiolucent allowing superior digital or film based radiographs. An apex locator can be used to determine the length of the canal. The Endo Q will help you to become more familiar with your apex locator outside of the human patient.

Due to the accuracy of the Endo Q, you can rely on it every time when you encounter a problem with your apex locator.

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Following are several problem situation that dentists encounter when working with an apex locator and how the Endo Q can help.

Apex locator calibration:

Apex locators are electronic devices and after several uses the device can start giving inaccurate readings. The accuracy of your apex locator should be checked every six months at minimum. If your apex locator does need to be calibrated, you can use the Endo Q to properly calibrate as opposed to a living patient. The Endo Q is easy to assemble. In minutes, you can have your apex locator calibrated to ensure accurate readings in determining canal length.

Gaining accurate readings with your apex locator every time:

With the Endo Q, you can simulate any situation you may encounter with a patient. You can practice using an apex locator to see how pulp tissue or different solutions such as sodium hypochlorite or water in the canal change the reading of your apex locator. You can also learn how much water should be inside the canal for the apex locator to work properly. Knowing how to work the apex locator under these conditions will provide you a more accurate reading.

Detecting perforation and/or fractured roots with an apex locator:

Your apex locator can be a valuable tool in detecting perforations and/or fractured roots. By training with the Endo Q, you will gain expertise in detecting these nuances in the canal. First create a perforation or fracture of your own and embed the tooth in the Endo Q. You can then use the apex locator to see if it reads the fracture or perforation before the file reaches the foramen. Upon reaching the fracture or perforation, the apex locator will generate a reading similar to the one that you will have when you reach the foramen. By pre-determining the working length you will know this is a reading of the perforation or fracture.

Obtaining a correct reading if metal, PFM crown or amalgam, are in contact with the file:

There are two options for avoiding this problem. The first is to apply a small amount of Vaseline to the file to prevent the file from coming in contact with metal, which would prevent an early reading. However, this technique is very difficult to do and unpredictable in its success. The second option is to inject Iso-Gel (non conductive gel) into the pulp chamber, thereby providing a solution which will completely isolate the file from other metals. You can learn both ways by using the Endo Q.

Using the Endo Q to determine if your apex locator needs repair:

You can use the Endo Q to test each component of your apex locator, such as the lip clip or file holder to ensure they are working properly. This can prevent you from losing this valuable tool for days, even weeks, if you run the test from your own office.

Protected U.S. Patent Number 6,520,775.