For Denisse Gomez, DMD, providing the very best possible restorative dentistry is an imperative. At her family practice in Santa Cruz, California, they offer a broad range of general and cosmetic dentistry services, including prosthodontics, endodontics, implant dentistry, pediatric dentistry, veneers, and more. "We prioritize the delivery of high-quality care where our main focus is putting the patient's well-being first," she says. "Our treatment plans are always personalized to keep the best interests of our patients in mind."

Gomez conducts extensive research on materials and instruments so that the practice can choose exceptional products for its patients. "We believe that efficiency and patient comfort are imperative to providing the best patient experience," she says. "However, I want to not only ensure that patients have a pleasant experience but also guarantee that their treatments are performed to the highest standards and with top quality products, so they have a chance to last for decades."

Soon after purchasing her practice, Gomez began looking for an endodontic system. She attended one of the largest conferences in California, where she was exposed to EdgeEndo's EdgeOne Blaze Utopia^™ reciprocating files and EdgeApex HP^™ endodontic handpiece. "As a dentist committed to excellence in endodontic care, I continually seek instruments that enhance both efficiency and patient outcomes," says Gomez. "After extensive experience with WaveOne^® Gold files, I transitioned to EdgeOne Blaze Utopia and have observed notable improvements in clinical performance. The superior cutting efficiency of EdgeOne Blaze Utopia files facilitates smoother and faster dentin removal with less hand fatigue, reducing overall chair time, minimizing patient discomfort, and improving procedural workflow. Moreover, its heat-treated design enhances durability, which means fewer file breakages and replacements, and that directly translates to cost savings."

EdgeOne Blaze Utopia files feature EdgeEndo's proprietary FireWire^™ Blaze Heat Treatment, a successor to the company's original FireWire treatment that makes the files more durable, flexible, safe, and efficient. "These files possess exceptional metallurgical properties that enhance resistance to cyclic fatigue and torsional stress," says Gomez. "This durability significantly reduces the risk of file separation, which is always a concern when working in complex canal anatomy. The advanced heat treatment not only improves durability but also flexibility. This enables smoother, more controlled navigation through curved canals. I've found that this flexibility also helps minimize canal transportation, preserving the tooth's natural structure while still achieving optimal shaping and cleaning. Another major benefit of the heat-treated structure that I've noticed is how it enhances adaptability within canals. This enables an easier and more predictable cutting action and reduces the likelihood of microcracks."

According to Gomez, the superior cutting ability of EdgeOne Blaze Utopia files is central to their ability to improve efficiency and minimize patient discomfort. "The optimized cross section and heat-treated metallurgy contribute to a sharper, more durable cutting edge, making engagement with dentin smoother and more controlled," she says. "When compared with other files that I've used, EdgeOne Blaze Utopia requires less apical pressure while still efficiently removing debris, reducing the risk of canal transportation or instrument fatigue. The combination of flexibility and cutting power allows for better preservation of the root canal anatomy while maximizing efficiency. With fewer passes needed to achieve ideal canal shaping, procedures have become more predictable and less stressful for both me and my patients."

Although the metallurgical properties of EdgeOne Blaze Utopia files confer many benefits, their shape does as well. "The S-shape design is excellent at removing debris, which prevents blockage," says Gomez. "One of the biggest challenges in endodontics is ensuring proper debris removal to maintain canal patency and avoid complications. The buildup of compacted debris can obstruct the working length, create irregularities in canal walls, and contribute to ledge formation, which makes it more challenging to achieve proper canal shaping and increases the risk of procedural errors. With the optimized flute design and efficient cutting action of the EdgeOne Blaze Utopia files, I've noticed a significant improvement in debris evacuation when compared with other systems. Better debris removal also means a lower risk of file separation and a smoother, more controlled preparation process. In addition, keeping the canal clear of debris allows irrigants to penetrate deeper and work more effectively, which leads to improved disinfection and a better long-term prognosis for the tooth."

For busy clinicians, having a reliable, user-friendly, and portable handpiece can make a huge difference in workflows. Gomez uses EdgeEndo's EdgeApex HP endodontic handpiece in conjunction with the EdgeOne Blaze Utopia files as part of a complete endodontic system. "Using this cordless handpiece in reciprocating mode with the programmed EdgeOne Blaze Utopia settings has streamlined my endodontic procedures, giving me better control and precision," she says. "The cordless convenience means that I'm not tied down by cables and can leverage complete portability between operatories. Plus, having an integrated apex locator built into the unit is a game changer. It ensures accurate working length measurements without the need for a separate device, which makes my workflow more seamless. The motorized handpiece and contra angle are well-designed, offering a comfortable grip and smooth operation throughout the procedure. Overall, this handpiece has improved my efficiency and confidence in shaping canals, allowing for predictable and stress-free endodontic treatments.

Gomez was happy to walk us through how she uses the EdgeOne Blaze Utopia in her technique. "Once all of the canals are identified, the working length is determined, and a glide path is created," she says. "I typically use the R25 file (R20 if working length is not reached) for cleaning and shaping, performing irrigation and recapitulation in between sweeps. If either of these files are loose at working length without dentinal debris in the apical flutes, I continue shaping with the next larger file in the sequence R35 or R45 until the apical flutes are adequately loaded with clean debris."

Although EdgeOne Blaze Utopia files confer a whole host of benefits, Gomez emphasizes that there is no learning curve involved and that anyone can realize them. "Incorporating EdgeOne Blaze Utopia into my practice has led to improved efficiency and safety as well as economic benefits," she says. "I encourage all of my colleagues to consider this system to enhance their endodontic procedures."

To request a product for evaluation, complete the form available at EdgeEndo's product evaluation page: https://edgeendo.com/product-evaluation/.

Key Points

• Superior cutting efficiency facilitates smoother and faster dentin removal with less hand fatigue, reducing overall chair time, minimizing patient discomfort, and improving procedural workflow.

• EdgeOne Blaze Utopia files feature EdgeEndo's proprietary FireWire Blaze Heat Treatment, which makes the files more durable, flexible, safe, and efficient.

• The S-shape design is excellent at removing debris, which prevents complications from blockage and improves the delivery of irrigants for disinfection.

• The EdgeApex HP endodontic handpiece offers cordless mobility, an integrated apex locator, and preprogrammed reciprocating settings suitable for the EdgeOne Blaze Utopia files.

EdgeEndo | edgeendo.com | 855-985-3636