The Reciproc® family

Three heroes. One mission: Striving for efficiency.

Imagine true one-file endo is possible without increased risk and higher clinical success rates.

Designed to enable shaping without the need for an additional scouting or glidepath instrument in most cases, the Reciproc family offers you efficiency in time saving through real one-file endo.1 On top of it the Reciproc family is one of the most heavily researched NiTi systems worldwide with more than 650 peer reviewed publications2 and clinically proven long-term benefits.3

Why choose Reciproc family files for root canal shaping?

Time savings

Having a reduced sequence of just one file in the majority of cases compared to multiple files in a sequence, allows the possibility that shaping the canal takes less time. Time savings can lead to less stress for the dentist and his team or could be reinvested in additional treatments

Organization

One file endo simplifies inventory and storage management

Cost savings

Less files in a clinical sequence and time savings can lead to reduced cost per treatment compared to systems that require the use of multiple files in a sequence.

Peace of mind

Even inexperienced dental assistants could easily handle the setup before and during the treatment – without hesitation about which file to hand to the clinician next.

Explore Endodontics

Root canal shaping: one does it all

S-Shaped cross-section & non-cutting tip

Designed for one file endo, so a root canal can be prepared without creating an initial glidepath in the majority of cases.1

The Reciproc and Reciproc Blue endodontic files have matching paper points as well as Conform Fit® Gutta-Percha points for a precise fit and and accurate tug back. 

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Higher clinical success rates

Clinically proven long-term benefits:3

In a 10-year clinical study including 14 233 treated teeth, treatment protocol including Reciproc showed a 30-40% higher survival rate and a 66% lower need for retreatment compared to protocols with rotary sequences or hand instruments.

The Reciproc family experience

Reciproc Blue

The Allrounder – Flexible and strong for everyday. The universal and flexible instrument for the majority of cases incl. retreatments.
Reciproc Minima

The Precisionist – Sleek for challenging cases. The next gen. Slim and agile – the ideal choice for narrow and challenging canals.
Reciproc

The Pioneer – Tough and unyielding. The instrument for everyone who prefers a slightly stiffer file for retreatment thanks to m-wire.

How to

Step 1:

Create straight-line access, estimate working length and choose your Reciproc Blue file size.

Step 2:

With irrigant in the canal, introduce the instrument into the canal. Start the motor when the instrument is at the root canal orifice.

Step 3:

Move the instrument in a slow in-and-out pecking motion until approx. 2/3 of the working length has been reached. The amplitude of the in-and-out movements should not exceed 3 mm. Only very light pressure should be applied. The instrument will advance easily in the canal.

Step 4:

If necessary, the instrument can be used in a brushing motion to enlarge the root canal entrance.

Step 5:

After each pecking motion, clean the instrument and make sure the canal is free. Reconfirm the working length, before continuing shaping until full working length has been reached.

Step 6:

Confirm shape. If needed, use next size of instrument with same shaping technique to working length. When the shape is confirmed, proceed with cleaning and disinfection protocol.

For more details, please revisit the IFU.

Step 1:

Remove the bulk of the gutta-percha in the coronal third of the canal with an appropriate instrument.

Step 2:

If necessary, soften gutta-percha with a solvent.

Step 3:

Use size R25 as described until working length has been reached. If resistance is encountered, do not apply pressure.

Step 4:

Remove the instrument from the canal, apply a little solvent and repeat the process. 

Step 5:

Use a brushing motion against lateral walls to remove residual obturation material.

Step 6:

After reaching working length with size R25, use size R40 or R50 for an increased apical enlargement if mandatory.

For more details, please revisit the IFU.

Building on Reciproc heriatage, Reciproc Minima is the ideal choice for narrow and challenging canals. The procedure should start with instrument size R20. In cases of wider canal anatomy, the selection of the initial instrument size is at the clinicians discretion.

Step 1:

Review different radiographs or CBCT images (if required), to assess the canal anatomy, width, and curvature, and estimate length.

Step 2:

Prepare an adequate access cavity and place NaOCI or EDTA gel (if the canals are narrow/calcified) in it.

Step 3:

Select R20 and set the Stopper at 2/3 of the estimated length.

Step 4:

Introduce R20 into the access cavity. Start the motor when the instrument is at the canal orifice. Move the instrument in a slow in-and-out pecking motion. The amplitude of each peck must not exceed 3 mm. Only very light pressure shall be applied; never force the instrument down the canal. After 3 pecks, remove, clean and inspect R20.

Step 5:

Irrigate the canal and confirm patency with an ISO size 010 or 008 hand Instrument (taken to 1-2 mm beyond reached length).

Step 6:

Repeat Steps #4 and 5 until R20 reaches 2/3 of the canal. Remove the instrument.

Step 7:

When working with an integrated apex locator, repeat Steps #4 and 5 until R20 reaches working length. Otherwise, determine working length with a 010 or 008 hand instrument and a tabletop apex locator until R20 reaches working length. Reconfirm working length electronically with R20.

Step 8:

If R20 stops progressing, do not force the instrument; remove it from the canal. A glide path should be created (e.g. with R-Pilot instrument).

Step 9:

If required, apical preparation with a larger ISO-size Reciproc Minima can be done. Select the appropriate instrument size for the canal.

Step 10:

AIways proceed with 3D disinfection protocols.

Step 11:

Dry the canal with dedicated absorbent paper points before obturation with dedicated gutta-percha points and sealer.

For more details, please revisit the IFU.

Find the Reciproc file for your needs

Treatment
Key Benefits
Material
Taper Options
Working Length
Cross-section
Flexibility
Special Features
Reciproc
Treatment

For retreatment

Key Benefits

Stiffer file (m-wire) for retreatment

Material

M-Wire NiTi with patented thermal treatment

Taper Options

R25 (0.25 mm, taper .08), R40 (0.40 mm, taper .06), R50 (0.50 mm, taper .05)

Working Length

21 mm, 25 mm, 31 mm

Cross-section

S-shaped cross-section

Flexibility

Moderate flexibility suitable for retreatments

Special Features

Single-use design reduces cross-contamination

Reciproc Blue
Treatment

For regular anatomies and wider root canals

Key Benefits

Universal and flexible instrument for the majority of cases

Material

Heat-treated NiTi with improved flexibility and resistance to fatigue

Taper Options

R25 (0.25 mm, taper .08), R40 (0.40 mm, taper .06), R50 (0.50 mm, taper .05)

Working Length

21 mm, 25 mm, 31 mm

Cross-section

S-shaped cross-section 

Flexibility

Blue heat treated NiTi improves flexibility and centering abilities of the file to reduce canal transportation.

Special Features

Prebendable for easier access 

Reciproc Minima
Treatment

For narrow and challenging canals

Key Benefits

Sleek for challenging cases

Material

Heat-treated NiTi with improved flexibility and resistance to fatigue

Taper Options

Average taper along the file:

R20: 3.6%

(MFD: 0.77mm)

R25: 3.3%

R35: 2.6%

R45: 2.0%

Working Length

21 mm, 25 mm, 31 mm

Cross-section

S-shaped cross-section

Flexibility

Blue heat treated NiTi improves flexibility and centering abilities of the file to reduce canal transportation.

Special Features

Slim and agile- goes where others can’t

Related products

X-Smart Pro+ 
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R-Pilot
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Irrigation Needle
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SmartLite Pro EndoActivator
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AH Plus Jet
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Frequently asked questions

First introduced on the market in 2010 by Dentsply Sirona through Maillefer and VDW with WaveOne and Reciproc, the reciprocating motion replicates the manual back and forth motion, “the balance technique”.5 When it turns one way (counterclockwise), it cuts (engages). When it turns the other way (clockwise), it stops cutting (disengages) and gets ready to cut again. After it does this back-and-forth three times, it has made one full circle!

The disengagement of the instrument occurs before excessive torsional stress is transferred onto the metal alloy and before the instrument can bind (taper lock) into the root canal, providing some advantages over continuous rotations systems:

a. Reduction of torsional stress and reduced risks of instrument separation6

b. Progression to the apex without applying too much force (which could be risky or harmful)7

c. Enhanced debris removal8

Reciproc Blue is heat treated which results in its blue color and increased flexibility of 40% compared to Reciproc. Furthermore, Reciproc Blue is more resistant to cyclic fatigue.

R25 regressive taper .08

R40 regressive taper .06

R50 regressive taper .05

Lengths: 21 mm, 25 mm, 31 mm

Explore endodontics

More confidence in single-visit endo

Quality canal shaping is an essential step that allows proper irrigation and correct canal obturation. Whether you are looking for a short reciprocating sequence, rotary files providing deep shape or a solution that helps you safeguarding the natural anatomy, our treatment solutions will suit your goals, supported by our latest generations of motors and apex locators. 

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Active irrigation promotes 3D cleaning and complete endodontics.

Activating irrigant solution produces a surface with more opened dentinal tubules, providing better obturation of lateral and accessory canals.9 Our advanced cleaning tools can support you in achieving deep cleaning and disinfection of the root canals.

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Obturation creates the hermetical (fluid-tight) seal that prevents bacteria that resides in the oral cavity from entering into the periarticular tissue. At Dentsply Sirona, we deliver obturation solutions as part of our endodontic treatment workflows, helping deliver healthy, long-term outcomes.

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Scientific downloads

Original article | Tooth survival | Int. Endodontic Journal | EN
Elmaasarawi A, Mekhemar M, Bartols A. Influence of different endodontic treatment protocols on tooth survival: A retrospective cohort study with multistate analysis and group balancing. Int Endod J. 2025 Jun 13. Distributed under the terms of the creative commons attribution 4.0 International licences (CC by 4.0)
3 MB
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Reciproc® Family | Scientific Highlights - Literature Review | EN
So far, more than 650 peer-reviewed scientific papers have been published on this endodontic system, with various topics of interest as shown in the figure below, making Reciproc ® family one of the most extensively studied NiTi treatment solution in the endodontic field.
384 KB
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Reciproc® Family | Scientific Highlights - Clinical Evidence | EN
Peer-reviewed clinical evidence with Reciproc family: “Influence of different endodontic treatment protocols on tooth survival: A retrospective cohort study with multistate analysis and group balancing”
101 KB
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Reciproc® Family | Scientific Manual | EN
This scientific manual serves as a comprehensive compilation, distilling the most significant publications on the Reciproc® concept.
2 MB
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Product downloads

The Reciproc® Family | Brochure | EN
Three heroes. One mission: Striving for efficiency .
3 MB
Download
Reciproc® Blue | Solution Guide | EN
Reciproc Blue Sequence and Step-by-Step procedure
377 KB
Download
Reciproc® family | Tip card | EN
Reciproc® Blue Shaping, Cleaning, Obturation.
340 KB
Download
Reciproc Minima® | Solution Guide | EN
Reciproc Minima sequence and shaping files technique.
1 MB
Download

For instructions for use, safety data sheets, eMDR documents and more, visit our Download Center

Go to Download Center

What are dentists saying about Reciproc family products?  

“The centering ability of the reciprocation motion, and the design of the Reciproc Blue instrument and its enhanced physical properties allow the Reciproc Blue to follow the path of least resistance, which is the canal, without any prior instrumentation, and to be used efficiently for the preparation of strongly curved and calcified canals without a glide path.” 

 

Prof. Ghassan Yared, Canada 

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1. Zuolo, M.L., M.C. Carvalho, and G. De-Deus, Negotiability of Second Mesiobuccal Canals in Maxillary Molars Using a Reciprocating System. J Endod, 2015. 41(11): p. 1913-7. Based on treatment of MB2 canals of more than 300 patients. The aim was to assess the frequency in which Reciproc® R25 was able to directly scout and reach working lengths in comparison with hand files. In the hand file group working length was successfully reached in 57.48%. In the Reciproc® R25 group the working length was successfully reached in 85.63% of cases.  

2.  > 650 peer reviewed publications (number of publications on the Reciproc® family from PubMed (key words: Reciproc(title/ abstract), on June 30, 2023) 

3. Elmaasarawi A, Mekhemar M, Bartols A. Influence of different endodontic treatment protocols on tooth survival: A retrospective cohort study with multistate analysis and group balancing. Int Endod J. 2025 Jun 13. doi: 10.1111/iej.14271. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40509940.

4. On-going study (CRE 24-04) “The Influence of Operator Experience in the Performance and Fracture Rate of Minima Instruments” Prof. De-Deus, Fluminense Federal University (Brazil). Internal data on file. For more information, contact Consumables-Data-Requests@dentsplysirona.com.

5. J. Roane, et al. The Balance force concept for instrumentation of curved canals. J. of Endodontics, 1985 TI (5): p203 211

6. Compared to rotary mechanized preparation. Influence of the Pecking Motion Frequency on the Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Endodontic Rotary Files. Zubizarreta-Macho et al, available under https7/www.ncbLnlm.nih.gov4jmaarticies/PMC7020()62/

7. Yared, G, Canal preparation using only one Ni-Ti rotary instrument preliminary observations. Int Endod J, 2008.41(4): p 339-44

8. De-Deus, G., et al. Apically extruded dentin debris by reciprocating single-file and multi-file rotary System. Clinical Oral Investigations, 2015 19(2): p. 357-361

9. Kanter V, Weldon E, Nair U, et al. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of ultrasonic versus sonic endodontic systems on canal cleanliness and obturation. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2011;112(6):809- 813.doi:10.1016/j.tripleo. 2011.06.002