Associate Professor 

Satish Alapati

BDS, MS, PhD

Dr. Satish Alapati is an A/ Professor in the Department of Endodontics at the College of Dentistry and an adjunct A/Professor in the Departments of Paediatric Dentistry and Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Chicago. He is currently at the Melbourne Dental School as an A/Professor of Endodontics.

His educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) India, a Certificate in General Practice Residency (USA), a Master of Science (MS) in Dental Materials Science (USA), and a Ph.D. in Oral Biology from The Ohio State University (USA). He also holds a Certificate in Endodontics residency program from the University of Illinois Chicago (USA). He has co-authored two book chapters, published over 40 papers, and presented more than 100 research presentations at national and international clinical and dental research meetings. In 2009, he received the Educator Fellowship Award from the Foundation for Endodontics of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).

Lecture Synopsis 

Recent advancements in nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary endodontic instruments have focused on instrument design and heat treatment processes to improve clinical performance. The introduction of reciprocating motion, which features a proprietary angle of reciprocation (back-and-forth movement), is marketed as lowering the risk of file fracture and canal transportation while improving clinical efficiency in shaping the root canal. The efficiency component is related to using a lower torque setting, leading to better instrumentation control. Shifting from continuous to reciprocating instruments requires a clear understanding of differences in technique and design. This presentation will highlight the key differences between the two systems, emphasising their unique advantages for cutting efficiency and safety in pursuit of better patient outcomes in endodontic therapy.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand NiTi metallurgy and heat treatment effects on its properties and applications.

• To explain and distinguish the key concepts of reciprocation systems available in the market.

• To understand the importance of instrument sequences in reciprocating and continuous motion systems.

Key References:

Alapati, S.B., Brantley, W.A., Iijima, M., Clark, W.A., Kovarik, L., Buie, C., Liu, J. and Johnson, W.B., 2009. Metallurgical characterization of a new nickel-titanium wire for rotary endodontic instruments. Journal of Endodontics, 35(11), pp.1589-1593.

Alapati, S.B., Brantley, W.A., Iijima, M., Schricker, S.R., Nusstein, J.M., Li, U.M. and Svec, T.A., 2009. Micro-XRD and temperature-modulated DSC investigation of nickel–titanium rotary endodontic instruments. Dental Materials, 25(10), pp.1221-1229.

Ahn, S.Y., Kim, H.C. and Kim, E., 2016. Kinematic effects of nickel-titanium instruments with reciprocating or continuous rotation motion: a systematic review of in vitro studies. Journal of Endodontics, 42(7), pp.1009-1017.