Improved endodontic instruments and process for producing the same

摘要

Improved endodontic instruments having multiple tapers and instruments which prevent self-feeding or threading into a root canal during root canal therapy on a tooth are provided as well as a process for producing such instruments. The process basically comprises providing a grinding wheel rotated about a first axis having a plurality of flute grinding ribs and an extra flute grinding rib extending from a periphery thereof. A rotating wire stock is fed past the plurality of flute grinding ribs and the extra flute grinding rib at a feed rate and rotation rate such that a separate spiral flute is ground on the wire stock by each of the plurality of flute grinding ribs and the extra grinding rib. The feed rate and rotation rate of the wire stock is changed during the grinding of the instrument whereby the extra grinding rib follows the spiral path of the first flute grinding rib to thereby reduce the number of spiral flutes being ground on the instrument.