Consultants’ Comments
- “I loved the fact that DownPak is cordless.”
- “Vast selection of tip sizes.”
- “Works just as well as my other devices and I love that it is cordless.”
- “This works great! I wish it were combined with a cordless backfill device.”
- “Buttons are hard to reach at certain angles.”
Description
The DownPak Cordless Obturation Device is a cordless, rechargeable endodontic device indicated for softening of root canal filling material with heat and vibration. The temperature of the heated tip is adjustable from 70°C to 350°C, with the option of no heat. The vibration and the heat can be used together or separately. A blue LED screen is present to allow the clinician to view the temperature of the device and other settings. There is a wide variety of heat plugger tips available for all file systems and the DownPak can be programmed with multiple operating preferences. DownPak comes with three tip sizes and accessories. Seventeen consultants used the DownPak in over 250 endodontic procedures. This product received a 92% clinical rating.
Equipment Features
The cordless nature of the DownPak makes it unique and easier to use and navigate than other comparable devices. The DownPak unit is small and easy to hold but is somewhat back-weighted, affecting its balance. The blue LED display has low contrast and the buttons are difficult to access during procedures. Consultants liked the vibration and the potential for enhancing the lateral movement of warmed gutta percha. Several evaluators commented that if this device were packaged with a backfill device it would be more useful. Fifty-nine percent of consultants found the DownPak to be equal to or better than their current device. Sixty-five percent of consultants would recommend and switch to the DownPak.
Clinical Tips
- Keep the heated tip at least five mm from the apex to avoid pulling out the apical plug of gutta percha when you remove the device.
- Turn the vibration mode off for searing off coronal gutta percha; turn it on for vertical/lateral condensation.
