Endodontic handpiece systems and methods

An endodontic handpiece comprising:

• a handle assembly defining a housing chamber, the handle assembly comprising:
• a handle housing,
• a chuck assembly,
• a bearing system for supporting the chuck assembly for rotation relative to the handle housing, and
• at least one drive system;
• and
• an endodontic tool defining
• a support portion,
• a working portion,
• a tool tip,
• a tool inlet,
• a tool outlet located adjacent to or at the tool tip, and
• a tool passageway extending between the tool inlet and the tool outlet;
• wherein
• the chuck assembly engages the support portion of the endodontic tool such that
• movement of the chuck assembly is transferred to the endodontic tool, and
• the tool inlet is located within the handle chamber;
• the endodontic handpiece operates in at least
• a first mode in which the at least one drive system causes movement of the endodontic tool through the chuck assembly,
• a second mode in which fluid flows through the tool passageway, and
• a third mode in which
• the first drive system causes rotation of the endodontic tool through the chuck assembly, and
• fluid flows through the tool passageway.

A method of performing an endodontic procedure comprising the steps of:

• providing a handle assembly comprising:
• a handle housing,
• a chuck assembly,
• a bearing system for supporting the chuck assembly for rotation relative to the handle housing,
• a first drive system for rotating the chuck assembly, and
• a second drive system for imparting a vibratory force to the chuck assembly;
• and
• providing an endodontic tool defining
• a support portion, and
• a working portion;
• wherein
• forming an endodontic handpiece by engaging the chuck assembly with the support portion of the endodontic tool such that movement of the chuck assembly is transferred to the endodontic tool;
• operating the endodontic handpiece in at least
• a first mode in which the first drive system causes rotation of the endodontic tool through the chuck assembly,
• a second mode in which the second drive system causes vibration of the endodontic tool, and
• a third mode in which
• the first drive system causes rotation of the endodontic tool through the chuck assembly, and
• the second drive system causes vibration of the endodontic tool.