On intracanal instruments taper 2 means:
- A. 0.02 increase in diameter between each instrument.
- B. Amount of increase in diameter.
Neither A nor B is the correct answer for what "taper 2" means on intracanal instruments.
Here's why:
A. 0.02 increase in diameter between each instrument:
This is incorrect because it implies a constant increase, which is not necessarily true. Taper values can vary within a set of instruments and across different manufacturers.
B. Amount of increase in diameter:
This is incorrect because it's too vague and doesn't specify the context of the increase. The amount of increase is directly related to the length of the working portion of the instrument and the specific taper value.
Correct Interpretation:
The correct interpretation of "taper 2" on intracanal instruments depends on how it's expressed:
- Numeric taper:
If the taper is simply stated as "2," it typically refers to a percentage increase in diameter per millimeter of working length. For example, a size 25 file with a taper of 2% would have a diameter 0.02 mm larger 1 mm from the tip compared to the tip itself, and 0.04 mm larger 2 mm from the tip.
- ISO taper:
Some manufacturers use the term "ISO taper," which typically refers to a standardized taper of 0.02 mm increase per millimeter of working length.
Therefore, to understand what "taper 2" means on a specific instrument, you need to consider the context and how the taper value is expressed. It's crucial to consult the manufacturer's specifications or use a taper gauge to determine the precise increase in diameter for a particular instrument.
