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Dr. Tee, you have a beautiful practice in Hildesheim. Have you founded it recently?

The practice has existed for over 40 years. When I joined as an employed dentist in 2019, it was still owned by the Quante couple. In 2022, an opportunity arose to expand into adjacent premises that had become available. Together with three children of the former practice owners, I took this as an opportunity to take over the practice, completely renovate it, equip it with new technology, and continue under a new name – “Zahnmedizin Himmelsthür.”

A nice name. With which aspirations did you start? What is your practice concept?

I became very interested in endodontics early on during my assistantship. For my professional specialization, I needed a microscope, and I also received support for this from my then employer. From that point on, I increasingly moved into specialization.
I completed my Master of Science in Endodontics in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 2024 and completed two endodontic curricula. Next week, I will defend my doctoral thesis. After that, I will focus very actively on addressing potential referring dentists. My long-term plan is also to move into continuing education.
When we founded the new group practice, it was already clear that I would mainly take over endodontics. One colleague focuses on implantology and oral surgery, and another colleague is an orthodontist. Our concept is essentially a group practice with specialists.

What equipment do you work with, and what does your workflow look like?

During the renovation of the practice, I made sure to set up a treatment room with a microscope. In addition, I have a large screen for transmitting the microscope images, an X-ray unit with a sensor, and a treatment unit with a whip system. This allows me to work ergonomically as well.
At the beginning, we still used devices from the old practice – an endodontic motor and an apex locator from other manufacturers. Through my curriculum at Tec2 and with Prof. Dr. Syngcuk Kim, I had already become familiar with products from Morita. In studies on working length determination, Morita endodontic systems, especially the apex locators, appear repeatedly.
Gradually, I began replacing the old devices with endodontic solutions from MORITA. Some time ago, I purchased the Tri Auto ZX2+ endodontic motor (with integrated apex locator) and the Root ZX3 apex locator. This has equipped my treatment room in such a way that I can primarily perform endodontics in the long term and optimally treat referral patients as well. (Patients which were treated by general practitioners and who were recommended to see a specialist).

You work with the Root ZX mini, the Root ZX3, and the Tri Auto ZX2+ endodontic motor. When do you use which device?

My first purchase was the Tri Auto ZX2+ endodontic motor, and it completely changed my treatment concept. Before that, I created a glide path using hand files, measured with the old apex locator, and adjusted the files accordingly. I experienced preparation errors more frequently, which I attribute to the measurement process. When you measure with a hand file and then transfer that measurement to a mechanical file, the errors add up.

How easy is it to change files with the Tri Auto ZX2+?

Overall, the Tri Auto ZX2+ is a huge game changer. It has made my treatment concept around half an hour faster per patient. And changing files is also very quick.

Would you also recommend the Tri Auto ZX2+ to beginners?

Working without hand files does require some practice. You need a certain sensitivity and must learn how the motor reacts. You should not apply too much pressure and should know when it is better to switch back to hand files. However, the integrated working length measurement is a major advantage – even for general practitioners. You immediately notice when the file switches into the reciprocal mode in the OTR setting. This gives less experienced clinicians a significant increase in safety.

How do the Tri Auto ZX2+ and the Root ZX3 work together?

Since I have been using the Root ZX3 apex locator, I can rely 100% on having the perfect working length. On the large display, I can see the precise position for the master point. This result also corresponds with the integrated measurement of the endodontic motor. For me, the combination of both measurements serves as a kind of final check.
I can clearly see on the large display exactly where I am, then advance the file to the first red bar. I can reproduce this point and then subtract my safety margin of 0.5 mm. The working length determined in this way always fits perfectly.

What has been your experience with the Root ZX3 compared to the Root ZX mini and other devices?

I already find the Root ZX mini to be very reliable, even compared to other devices I have used. What I particularly like about the Root ZX3 is its design. You place the device and can immediately see the screen. Especially when I am sitting at the microscope and just looking briefly to the right, I can instantly see where I’m in the root canal.
I have also noticed that in larger canals that are difficult to dry, the accuracy is finer. This delayed display – where the file moves but the display remains static and then suddenly jumps – has practically disappeared.
The Root ZX3 provides continuously accurate measurements even under difficult conditions. It follows the hand movement very precisely. That gives me a secure feeling while working.
What convinces me most is this reproducibility. I repeatedly obtain the same result, meaning the device is not only accurate but also precise. With other measuring devices, there were more frequent incorrect measurements when the canal was slightly moist or when a metal crown was present. Since using the Root ZX3, I can truly rely on the measurement.

Do you rely more on the visual display or the audio signals?

On both, depending on whether I am looking directly at the canal or can glance to the side. At the end of the preparation, however, I always use the Root ZX3 once more. Its acoustic signal is a bit louder and drowns out other noises, for example from the suction.

Overall, what convinces you most about Morita’s endodontic solutions?
Above all, their reliability. Every day, I know that I can rely on these devices. Errors like those I experienced with other devices simply do not occur. I also greatly appreciate the overall quality and value of MORITA products.

Thank you very much for the interview, and continued success in your work as an endodontist, Dr. Tee