Spacer for an endodontic instrument

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spacer for an endodontic instrument, for example, a root canal instrument. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for providing such spacers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a kit for use during endodontic treatment comprising the spacer according to the invention and the device according to the invention.

[0002] Endodontic instruments, such as files and reamers, including hand instruments and rotary instruments, are commonly used to clean and widen the root canal of infected teeth. In the treatment of diseased root canals, the pulp tissue is removed to gain access to the most apical end of the tooth and completely remove bacteria.

[0003] A common problem in dental treatment is the inaccurate adherence to the working length of the instruments. However, in root canal treatment, it is important that the endodontic instruments are only inserted into the respective root canal to a precisely defined maximum penetration depth. This is to avoid over-instrumentation, the spread of bacteria, pain, and other treatment complications.

[0004] Various methods are available to determine the length of the roots or canals of a tooth. For example, root canal length can be determined using special measuring needles and an x-ray image, or using an electrical measuring device. This is necessary to ensure treatment reaches the root tip.

[0005] This determined maximum penetration depth is conventionally adjusted using a stop ring that is placed on the instrument. The stop ring is made of an elastic plastic, such as silicone, and has a central hole into which the instrument is inserted. The stop ring is also called a silicone stopper or simply a stopper.

[0006] According to the current state of the art, a stopper is pushed onto the instrument, specifically onto a reference point in the area of the tooth crown. This reference point is also referred to as the coronal reference point. A variety of different devices are known in the state of the art for adjusting the precise position of the stop ring on the respective instrument.

[0007] For example, DE 24 16 275 C2 and DE 34 34 786 C2 disclose gauges that have a length scale and a recess at a well-defined location into which the stopper can be inserted. The instrument can then, if not already inserted, be passed through the central bore of the stop ring and moved in the direction of the instrument's extension, with the stopper remaining stationary relative to the length scale of the gauge.

[0008] The disadvantage here is that the instrument must be manually pushed through the stopper until the desired position and file length are reached. This results in a certain degree of inaccuracy and insufficient reproducibility of the instrument's maximum penetration depth, which should be determinable to within a quarter of a millimeter.

[0009] DE 199 16 114 A1 therefore discloses a setting gauge for adjusting the depth stop. The tool is pushed through the stop until it reaches an adjustable stop. This allows for increased reproducibility of the set length.

[0010] JP 10 085 243 A, US 3,938,253, and US 4,028,810 each disclose an adjustment device in which the maximum penetration depth of the root canal file can be adjusted by a stop adjustable via a threaded rod. This allows for more precise adjustment of the length.

[0011] The aforementioned devices use conventional silicone stoppers. These stoppers have the disadvantage that, due to their flexible material, they can slip during treatment, leading to a change in the maximum penetration depth. This often leads to over-instrumentation during root canal treatment.

[0012] US Pat. No. 5,154,611 discloses a dispenser for silicone stoppers that stores silicone stoppers of varying lengths. These can be pushed onto an endodontic instrument until the handle stops. This creates a defined file length. While this eliminates the disadvantage of slippage, such dispensers do not meet the sterility requirement.

[0013] Furthermore, it is possible that multiple root canals need to be cleaned during a dental treatment, requiring the instrument to be adjusted to different maximum penetration depths. For this purpose, the stopper is manually adjusted. This has several disadvantages, such as contamination of the instruments and the risk of injury from moving the stopper. This prolongs unpleasant or painful treatments for the patient.

[0014] DE 28 57 175 C2 and US 3 781 996 A2 each describe a spacer for an endodontic instrument, which have different shapes. All devices and methods known from the prior art for determining and adjusting the exact position of a stop ring on the endodontic instrument, and maintaining this position during treatment, therefore have numerous disadvantages.

[0015] Based on this, it is the object of the present invention to provide a device with which the disadvantages of the prior art described above can be overcome.

[0016] According to the invention, the object is achieved by a spacer for an endodontic instrument comprising: a base surface with a diameter (d G ), a cover surface with a diameter (d D ), wherein the diameter (d D ) is smaller than the diameter (d G ), a rotation axis, a lateral surface, a height (h), an opening with a longitudinal axis for receiving an endodontic instrument and a cylindrical recess for receiving a stopper on the base surface, wherein the spacer is truncated cone-shaped and wherein the opening extends from the base surface to the cover surface, wherein the longitudinal axis of the opening is arranged coaxially to the rotation axis of the spacer, and wherein the cylindrical recess is arranged coaxially to the opening, and wherein the base surface of the spacer is designed to rest on the crown of a tooth.

[0017] The spacer according to the invention makes it possible to precisely and reproducibly determine the length of endodontic instruments during endodontic treatment. In other words, a limit is provided that precisely defines the penetration depth of the instrument and prevents unwanted changes during treatment.

[0018] For this purpose, during endodontic treatment, the endodontic instrument is first guided into the opening of the spacer according to the invention, up to the distal end of the handle of the endodontic instrument. In other words, the spacer is pushed up to the stop of the handle of the endodontic instrument, so that the top surface of the spacer rests against the handle, while the base surface of the spacer rests on the tooth crown during treatment.

[0019] According to the invention, the spacer can be designed in different heights. By selecting the height of the spacer, a maximum working length or maximum penetration depth of the endodontic instrument is precisely determined before treatment. Thus, at higher heights, correspondingly shorter working lengths are achieved, while at lower heights, a correspondingly longer working length can be achieved.

[0020] Slipping of the stopper, resulting in over-instrumentation as is known from the prior art, is prevented by the invention since the endodontic instrument can only be inserted into the tooth by the remaining length adjacent to the spacer.

[0021] The invention also offers the advantage that, due to the conical shape of the spacer, it is possible to quickly change the spacers during treatment. This is particularly necessary when a new or further penetration depth needs to be set.

[0022] Firstly, the spacer is larger than conventional stoppers, making it easier for a treating physician to remove the spacer from the endodontic instrument.

[0023] Furthermore, the stopper (if present) can advantageously always be removed from the instrument when the spacer is removed from the endodontic instrument.

[0024] An "endodontic instrument" is defined as any instrument used in endodontic treatment, in particular K-files, reamers, and Hedström files made of Cr-Ni stainless steel. All lengths, thicknesses, dimensions, tolerances, and minimum requirements for mechanical strength are defined in the ISO standard. The diameter at the instrument tip corresponds to the size 1 / 100 mm. The length of the tapered working part is 16 mm, regardless of the total instrument length. All instruments have a tapered working part that increases in diameter by 0.02 mm per millimeter, i.e., the instruments are 0.32 mm thicker at the end of the working part. Newer nickel-titanium instruments, in addition to the 02 taper, also have more tapered instrument shapes: e.g., 04, 06, 10, and 12. To facilitate instrument use, the instrument handles are color-coded.

[0025] Here, an "endodontic instrument" also includes a dental drilling instrument.

[0026] A "stopper" is a ring made of a suitable material, preferably plastic or rubber, that can be positively attached around the endodontic instrument. These are also referred to as silicone stoppers, endo-stoppers, or endo-stops. Such stoppers are known in the art and are commonly used in endodontic treatment. These stoppers are available in various sizes, with the standard size having a diameter of 3.5 mm and a thickness / height of 1 mm.

[0027] Here, the opening for receiving an endodontic instrument is designed in such a way that the opening has a diameter at least equal to the cross-section of the endodontic instrument that is inserted into the opening.

[0028] The opening may be a circular hole. According to the invention, the opening may also have other shapes, for example, triangular, square, or polygonal.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the cylindrical recess for receiving a stopper has a volume that corresponds to the volume of a stopper.

[0030] This embodiment has the advantage that already known, established techniques can be combined with the invention. For this purpose, the spacer according to the invention has a cylindrical recess into which a stopper can be seamlessly or positively received. This embodiment also offers the advantage that a stopper can additionally fix the spacer to the endodontic instrument.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the cylindrical recess for receiving a stopper has a diameter of 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm, preferably 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, or 5.0 mm.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the cylindrical recess for receiving a stopper has a height of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 mm.

[0033] The stoppers known in the prior art have different heights / thicknesses and different diameters. These embodiments therefore offer the advantage that any stopper can be combined with the spacer according to the invention.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the diameter (d G ) is 5.0 mm to 15.0 mm, preferably 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13.0, 13.5, 14.0, 14.5 or 15.0 mm.

[0035] Here, the diameter of the base surface roughly corresponds to the diameter of the crown or restoration of the tooth being treated. The diameter is selected so that the spacer rests on the respective crowns. A diameter that is too small can result in the spacer not resting on the crown, but rather, for example, in the tooth fissures. A diameter that is too large can result in the spacer resting on neighboring teeth of the tooth being treated. Therefore, incorrectly selected diameters can lead to incorrect treatment.

[0036] During treatment, the treating physician has access to numerous spacers in various sizes according to the invention. A specialist will be able to select a suitable spacer depending on the nature of the tooth being treated.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the height (h) is approximately 0.75 mm to approximately 15 mm, preferably approximately 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0, 11.0, 12.0, 13.0, 14.0 or approximately 15.0 mm.

[0038] The height of the spacer determines the maximum penetration depth of the endodontic instrument during treatment of the tooth. According to the invention, a physician has access to various spacers of different heights to adjust the exact working length of the endodontic instrument.

[0039] To adjust the exact working length, the spacer can be supplemented with additional discs with an opening for accommodating endodontic instruments. These discs serve to finely enlarge the spacer beyond the height (h).

[0040] These discs can have a height of ≤ 0.5 mm. Possible thicknesses / heights can be approximately 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, or approximately 0.5 mm. These discs can be applied either to the base or to the top surface of the spacer during treatment.

[0041] In addition to the discs, according to the invention, several spacers can also be pushed one after the other onto the endodontic instrument in order to be able to set the desired or exact working length.

[0042] This embodiment offers the advantage that any working size of the endodontic instrument can be adjusted; either by using a spacer of a defined height or the combination of several spacers or the combination of spacer and additional discs.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the opening for receiving an endodontic instrument has a diameter (d O ) of ≤ 2.0 mm, preferably approximately 2.0, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.75 0.7, 0.65, 0.6, 0.55, 0.5, 0.45, 0.4, 0.35, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2 or approximately 0.15 mm.

[0044] Endodontic instruments are typically offered in different thicknesses and diameters. This is necessary because root canals also have different diameters.

[0045] This design has the advantage that all endodontic instruments can be combined with the spacer according to the invention.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the diameter (d D ) is 2.5 mm to 15.0 mm, preferably 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 9.0, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5 or 15.0 mm.

[0047] This design has the advantage that the spacer is not significantly larger than the tooth being treated. This provides the dentist with a good view of the tooth being treated.

[0048] Preferably, the spacer is made of a material that is dimensionally stable. Furthermore, the material should be chemically inert and remain dimensionally stable at high temperatures and pressures. This is particularly advantageous because it allows the spacer to be easily sterilized. Furthermore, the material should be inert to bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the spacer is made of metal, plastic, silicone, or a combination thereof, preferably PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PPSU, POM-C or stainless steel.

[0050] This design offers the advantage that all materials are easily sterilizable. This also means that the spacers can be reused multiple times. This, in turn, can lead to cost savings.

[0051] The materials also offer the advantage that the spacer can be cast during production, which enables cost-effective production.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the spacer has a marker indicating the height (h).

[0053] Markers are understood to mean all information that can quickly and reliably show a treating physician the height of the respective spacer.

[0054] Such markers can be printed; for example, the respective heights can be printed on the spacer as numbers or graphics. Furthermore, the height information can also be engraved or stamped. According to the invention, the height can also be indicated by a color code. The spacers can be colored in different colors depending on the height or made of a colored material.

[0055] Color coding has become common practice for endodontic instruments, so color marking is a preferred option.

[0056] A device for providing the spacer according to the invention is further defined, comprising: a body which has at least one recess for at least partially receiving the spacer in a form-fitting manner.

[0057] The spacer can be quickly and safely inserted into this device and removed again if necessary. The spacer can also be inserted and clamped into this device when it is plugged onto an endodontic instrument. The endodontic instrument can then be safely separated from the spacer according to the invention and, if necessary, inserted into another spacer with different dimensions. This enables a quick and safe exchange of the spacer on the endodontic instrument.

[0058] A particular advantage of this device is that the treating physician can place the spacer on the endodontic instrument during endodontic treatment and, if necessary, change it without having to handle the spacer. In the current state of the art, this regularly leads to unwanted contamination, as the physician must manually move the originally sterilized stopper.

[0059] The recess of this device is advantageously designed such that the spacer can be easily inserted into the device and clamped therein. It is particularly preferred if the recess is designed such that the spacer can only be inserted and removed from the device in a lateral direction, and not perpendicularly upwards or downwards.

[0060] Here, the device can have multiple recesses, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, etc. According to this design, for example, several spacers of different sizes can be stored in the respective recesses of the device. This has the advantage that the treating physician can quickly change the spacer from the endodontic instrument.

[0061] In the device, the recess is designed in the shape of a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid.

[0062] It offers the advantage that the spacer can be inserted precisely into the device, as it is designed in the shape of a truncated cone.

[0063] In the device, the at least partially form-fitting receptacle is designed such that the spacer sits in a clamping connection in the at least one recess.

[0064] This has the advantage that the spacer can be inserted sideways into the device, namely into the recess. The spacer clamps itself into this recess, preventing it from coming loose in other directions, for example, upwards or downwards.

[0065] In the device, in the area of the recess, it has a slit-shaped opening in the bottom of the body extending towards the edge of the body, which is designed to accommodate an endodontic instrument.

[0066] In the device, the slit-shaped opening has a diameter of ≤ 2.0 mm, preferably of approximately 2.0, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.75, 0.7, 0.65, 0.6, 0.55, 0.5, 0.45, 0.4, 0.35, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2 or approximately 0.15 mm.

[0067] They have the advantage that the spacer is usually inserted into the device in conjunction with an endodontic instrument. The gap-shaped opening allows for easy and safe removal of the spacer from the endodontic instrument.

[0068] Here, the slit-shaped opening is designed in such a way that an endodontic instrument has enough space in the slit-shaped opening and is not clamped in like the spacer itself.

[0069] The object is further achieved by a kit for use during endodontic treatment, comprising a device and a spacer according to the invention.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the kit, the kit comprises a disc for fine enlargement of the spacer, wherein the disc has a height of ≤ 0.5 mm.

[0071] Further advantages emerge from the figures and the following description of preferred embodiments.

[0072] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0073] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1 shows a side view of a spacer according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a side view of an endodontic instrument that extends into a tooth and has a spacer that limits the penetration depth; Fig. 3 shows a side view of an endodontic instrument that extends into a tooth and has a spacer that limits the penetration depth and an additional disc; Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the device according to the invention; Fig. 5 shows a side view of a section of a device according to the invention; and Fig. 6 shows a side view of a section of a device according to the invention with a spacer according to the invention and an endodontic instrument.

[0074] Functionally equivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals in all figures, even in different embodiments.

[0075] Fig. 1 shows a spacer 100 according to the invention for an endodontic instrument 10. The spacer 100 is truncated cone-shaped and has a rotation axis 16. The spacer 100 is characterized in that it has a base surface 12, a cover surface 14, a lateral surface 18, and a height h. The cover surface 14 is smaller than the base surface 12.

[0076] Furthermore, the spacer 100 has an opening 20 for receiving an endodontic instrument 10, wherein the opening 20 extends from the base surface 12 to the cover surface 14. The opening 20 further has a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis of the opening 20 is arranged coaxially to the rotation axis 16 of the spacer 100.

[0077] In addition, the spacer 100 has a cylindrical recess 22 for receiving a stopper 24 on the base surface 12, wherein the cylindrical recess 22 is arranged coaxially to the opening 20.

[0078] Here, the spacer 100 can be designed to vary in size. This is advantageous because the spacer 100 is selected depending on the tooth to be treated and, in particular, its root length. The diameter of the base surface 12, the diameter of the cover surface 14, the diameter of the opening 20, the diameter of the cylindrical recess 22, as well as the height h of the spacer 100 and the height of the cylindrical recess 22 are variable.

[0079] The spacer 100 is preferably made of materials that are easily sterilized, dimensionally stable, and chemically inert.

[0080] The spacer 100 may include markers indicating the height of the spacer 100 (not shown). This may be achieved, for example, by color coding the spacer 100 or by completely coloring the spacer 100.

[0081] Fig. 2 shows a side view of an endodontic instrument 10 which extends into a tooth 26 and has a spacer 100 which limits the penetration depth.

[0082] As from Fig. 2 As can be seen, the endodontic instrument 10 has an elongated shape. It is composed of a handle 28 and a treatment head 30, which usually represents the drill head or the file. The endodontic instrument 10 extends in the Fig. 2 into the root canal of tooth 26 to the most apical end of tooth 26.

[0083] The spacer 100 is arranged such that the base surface 12 rests against the crown of the tooth 14 and the cover surface 14 rests against the distal end of the handle 28. As a result, the maximum penetration depth of the endodontic instrument 10 is determined by the height of the spacer 100.

[0084] Furthermore, in Fig. 2 a stopper 24 is shown, which is received in the cylindrical recess 22 of the spacer 100. The stopper 24 can advantageously be used to firmly fix the spacer 100 to the endodontic instrument 10.

[0085] Fig. 3 differs from Fig. 2 by an additional disc 32, which lies between the handle 28 of the endodontic instrument 10 and the cover surface 14 of the spacer 100. According to the invention, the disc 32 can also be arranged between the tooth crown and the base surface 12 of the spacer 100 (not shown).

[0086] The disc 32 is advantageous because it allows for fine adjustment of the penetration depth. In contrast to the spacer 100, the disc 32 can also have very small heights of, for example, ≤ 0.5 mm.

[0087] Several discs 32 and several spacers 100 can also be arranged one behind the other on the endodontic instrument 10 in order to achieve a desired working length of the endodontic instrument 10.

[0088] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a device 200. It shows a device 200 for providing a spacer 100 according to the invention, wherein the device 200 has a recess 34 for at least partially receiving the spacer 100 in a form-fitting manner.

[0089] The Fig. 4 The device 200 shown has six recesses 34 in a body 36, each of which can accommodate a spacer 100 (not shown). The recesses 34 are configured in such a way that they are partly truncated pyramid-shaped and partly truncated cone-shaped, with the recess 34 being truncated pyramid-shaped towards the edge.

[0090] The spacer 100 can be at least partially received in the recess 34 in a form-fitting manner. The spacer 100 can be received in a clamping connection.

[0091] The recess 34 further has a slit-shaped opening 38 in the bottom of the body 36, which opening extends towards the edge of the body 36 and is designed to receive an endodontic instrument 10.

[0092] Furthermore, the device 200 includes a further recess 35 for receiving the stopper 24 (not shown). The further recess 35 is configured such that the stopper 24 can be received at least partially in a form-fitting manner, preferably by clamping. The further recess 35 has a further gap-shaped opening 39 extending toward the edge of the body.

[0093] The device 200 allows for easy removal of both the spacer 100 and the stopper 24 from the recess 34 or further recess 35. For this purpose, the endodontic instrument 10 (not shown) is first guided from above through the central opening of the spacer 100 located in the recess 34 and the gap-shaped opening 38 in the base of the body 36 until the spacer 100 sits on the shaft of the endodontic instrument 10. In the next step, the stopper 24 is then removed from the further recess 35 in a corresponding manner and subsequently pressed into the cylindrical recess 22 of the spacer 100. The spacer 100 or stopper 24 can be deposited by the reverse procedure.

[0094] Fig. 5 shows a side view of a section of a device 200. The device 200 for providing the spacer 100 according to the invention can be seen. Fig. 4. und Fig. 5 show the same design of the device 200 and differ only in perspective.

[0095] Fig. 6 shows a side view of a section of a device 200 with a spacer 100 according to the invention and an endodontic instrument 10.

[0096] The endodontic instrument 10 is guided by the spacer 100 and the stopper 24, with the spacer 100 resting with its cover surface 14 against the handle 28 of the endodontic instrument 10. The base surface 12 of the spacer 100, in contrast, rests on the body 36 of the device 200, with the spacer 100 being positively received in the recess 34 of the device 200. Furthermore, the stopper 24 is also received in the cylindrical recess 22 of the spacer 100.

[0097] Assuming the endodontic instrument 10 would be pulled out of the spacer 100, the spacer 100 and the stopper 24 would remain in the device 200 since they are clamped to the device 200.

Claims

1. A spacer (100) for an endodontic instrument (10) comprising: a base surface (12) with a diameter (dG), a top surface (14) with a diameter (dD), wherein the diameter (dD) is smaller than the diameter (dG), a rotation axis (16), a lateral surface (18), a height (h), an opening (20) with a longitudinal axis for receiving an endodontic instrument (10), and a cylindrical recess (22) for receiving a stopper (24) at the base surface (12), wherein the spacer (100) is frustum-shaped, and wherein the opening (20) extends from the base surface (12) to the top surface (14), wherein the longitudinal axis of the opening (20) is arranged coaxially to the rotation axis (16) of the spacer (100), and wherein the cylindrical recess (22) is arranged coaxially to the opening (20), and wherein the base surface (12) of the spacer (100) is configured to abut a tooth crown of a tooth.

2. The spacer (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylindrical recess (22) for receiving a stopper (24) has a volume corresponding to the volume of a stopper (24).

3. The spacer (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cylindrical recess (22) for receiving a stopper (24) has a diameter ranging from 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm, preferably 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, or 5.0 mm, and / or preferably a height ranging from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 mm.

4. The spacer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the diameter (dG) ranges from 5.0 mm to 15.0 mm, preferably 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13.0, 13.5, 14.0, 14.5 or 15.0 mm, and / or preferably the height (h) ranges from 0.75 mm to 15 mm, preferably 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0, 11.0, 12.0, 13.0, 14.0 or 15.0 mm.

5. The spacer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the opening (20) for receiving an endodontic instrument (10) has a diameter (dO) of ≤ 2.0 mm, preferably 2.0, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.75, 0.7, 0.65, 0.6, 0.55, 0.5, 0.45, 0.4, 0.35, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2 or 0.15 mm.

6. The spacer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the diameter (dD) ranges from 2.5 mm to 10.0 mm, preferably 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 9.0, 9.5 or 10.0 mm.

7. The spacer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is made of metal, plastic, silicone, or combinations thereof, preferably PEEK (poly-etheretherketone), PPSU, POM-C, or stainless steel.

8. The spacer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a marker indicating the height (h).

9. A kit (300) for use in an endodontic treatment, comprising a spacer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a device (200) for providing the spacer (100).

10. The kit (300) according to claim 9, characterized in that the kit (300) comprises a disc (32) for fine enlargement of the spacer (100), wherein the disc (32) has a height of ≤ 0.5 mm.