# Reciproc®

> Original Single-File Reciprocation

- **Manufacturer:** VDW GmbH
- **Motion:** Reciprocating
- **Alloy:** M-Wire NiTi
- **Key feature:** Original single-file reciprocating concept with dedicated RECIPROC motor setting and three apical size options

## Specifications

| File | Tip (mm) | Taper | Length | Cross-section | Motion | Speed (rpm) | Torque | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R25 | 0.25 | 8% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | S-shaped | Reciprocating | Reciprocating | — | shaping |
| R40 | 0.40 | 6% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | S-shaped | Reciprocating | Reciprocating | — | shaping |
| R50 | 0.50 | 5% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | S-shaped | Reciprocating | Reciprocating | — | shaping |

## Protocol

### Glide Path

1. **Scout and Establish Working Length** — Negotiate canal with a pre-curved #8-10 hand file, establish reproducible glide to working length, then irrigate and reconfirm patency.
   - Use chelator/lubricant in narrow canals
   - Maintain smooth, repeatable hand-file path before reciprocating shaping
2. **Glide Path (When Needed)** — RECIPROC can prepare many canals without an initial glide path (per IFU/brochure). R25 can be introduced based on pre-op assessment with short reciprocating advancement. If scout file must be pre-bent or cannot reach WL, expand to ISO #15 before shaping.
   - Original RECIPROC concept: no mandatory glide path for straightforward canals
   - In calcified or severely curved anatomy, a secured glide path is still recommended
   - Recapitulate with #10 after each advancement

### Shaping

1. **Select RECIPROC File Size** — Assess pre-op radiograph: if canal is not visible or partially visible = R25. If canal is visible: passively insert ISO #30 hand file — if it reaches WL = R50; if not, try ISO #20 — if it reaches WL = R40; otherwise = R25 (per 2023 IFU).
   - R25 for the majority of canals (default choice)
   - R40 when ISO #20 reaches WL passively but #30 does not
   - R50 when ISO #30 reaches WL passively
   - For R40/R50: set stopper at WL minus 3mm initially (per IFU)
2. **Reciprocating Shaping** — Use dedicated RECIPROC mode with gentle 2-3 mm in-and-out pecking. Advance in short cycles, then remove, clean flutes, irrigate, and recapitulate. _(File: R25 / R40 / R50 · RECIPROC mode · Reciprocating)_
   - Use light apical pressure only
   - Limit each cutting sequence to about three pecks before withdrawal
   - Reconfirm working length if progress becomes irregular
   - ⚠ Never switch to continuous rotation
   - ⚠ Stop and reassess if file does not progress after repeated short cycles
3. **Apical Confirmation and Optional Upsizing** — After reaching working length, gauge apical size with hand files. If preparation is loose and anatomy permits, enlarge with the next RECIPROC size.
   - Only upsize when clinically indicated
   - Preserve original canal path and avoid unnecessary dentin removal

### Finishing

1. **Final Irrigation and Patency Check** — Complete final irrigation protocol, maintain patency with a small hand file, and verify apical preparation before obturation.
   - Use corresponding hand file to confirm apical size
   - Activate irrigants according to your clinic protocol
2. **Prepare for Obturation** — Dry canals with matching absorbent points and proceed with obturation method appropriate for final apical size and taper.
   - Confirm tug-back and working length before sealer placement
   - Document final size (R25/R40/R50) for follow-up

## Clinical Tips

- R25 for most canals; R40 when ISO #20 reaches WL passively; R50 when ISO #30 reaches WL passively — size selection per radiograph + hand-file gauging (per 2023 IFU)
- Short, controlled pecking with frequent irrigation generally improves control in narrow canals
- Use conservative apical enlargement; upsize only after hand-file gauging
- Single-file reciprocation can simplify workflow when glide path and WL control are maintained

## Warnings

- Single use only - do not reprocess or reuse
- Use only designated reciprocating motor settings; never continuous rotation
- Contains nickel - avoid use in patients with known nickel hypersensitivity
- Inspect file before and during use; discard if unwound, bent, or otherwise deformed
- Do not force progression in abruptly curved or blocked canals; re-establish patency with hand files first
- Do not fully immerse in NaOCl — only working part in max 5% concentration (per IFU)
- In severe curvatures: use the instrument manually; do not use in abrupt apical curvature — use pre-curved hand files instead (per 2023 IFU)
- For extremely curved canals: use file for one canal only to reduce breakage risk (per IFU)

## Best for

- original RECIPROC workflow
- single-file reciprocating shaping
- routine to moderately complex anatomy with careful glide-path control

## Technical profile

- **Category:** single-file-reciprocating
- **Heat treatment:** M-Wire — Original RECIPROC generation based on M-Wire NiTi (pre-blue generation)
- **Manufacturing method:** ground
- **Pre-bendable:** no
- **Reuse:** Single-use
- **Motor:** specific-motor — RECIPROC-capable endodontic motor with dedicated RECIPROC mode
- **Reciprocation angles:** 150° CCW / 30° CW
- **Glide path requirement:** optional — Often not required — R25 can be introduced without prior glide path in straightforward canals (per IFU). In calcified/curved anatomy: scout with #10, expand to #15 before shaping.
- **Canal suitability:** Curvature: mild, moderate; Canal size: narrow, normal, wide; Calcified canals: yes; Retreatment: no; Conservative access: no
- **Content revision:** 2026-02-15

## FAQ

**What alloy is RECIPROC made from?**

Reciproc® is manufactured from M-Wire NiTi with m-wire heat treatment.

**How many files are in the RECIPROC sequence?**

The Reciproc® system includes 3 files: R25, R40, R50.

**What motion type does RECIPROC use?**

Reciproc® uses reciprocating motion.

**What cases is RECIPROC best for?**

Reciproc® is best suited for: original RECIPROC workflow, single-file reciprocating shaping, routine to moderately complex anatomy with careful glide-path control.

**What speed and torque settings are recommended for RECIPROC?**

Reciproc® uses reciprocating motion with manufacturer-specific motor settings (refer to official DFU for exact parameters).

## References

- [Manufacturer instructions for use (DFU/IFU)](https://www.dentsplysirona.com/content/dam/master/product-procedure-brand-categories/endodontics/vdw/product-categories/preparation/reciproc/ifu/END-IFU-RECIPROC-SINGLE-USE-STERILE-VDW-V02-WEB-EUR-Multilingual-2023-07.pdf)

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_Educational reference for dental professionals. Always confirm settings against the official manufacturer instructions for use before clinical procedures._