Retractable Filament Spatula Number 113 with Number 41 Striated Angled Handle - Hu-Friedy - Delynov

What is the Hu-Friedy #113 retraction cord spatula?

The #113 retraction cord spatula from the brand Hu-Friedy is a specialized manual instrument used in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics. It consists of a #41 serrated handle offering a stable grip and an angled working end specifically designed for manipulating retraction cords. Manufactured by Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC, this Class I instrument meets the quality requirements of practitioners for procedures requiring precise management of the gingival sulcus. Its serrated handle structure ensures optimal control during delicate technical movements, while the angulation of the spatula allows access to different areas of the dental arch with consistent efficiency.

What are the clinical indications for this instrument?

This instrument is primarily indicated for mechanical gingival retraction. In clinical practice, the dental retraction spatula is used to gently insert the retraction cord into the gingival sulcus. This step is crucial for temporarily displacing the free gingiva from the tooth, thereby allowing a precise reading of the preparation margins during optical or physicochemical impression taking. It is also employed during the placement of direct or indirect restorations to control moisture and ensure adequate isolation of the operative field. Its angled design facilitates access to proximal and lingual areas, ensuring uniform insertion of the cord around the entire circumference of the prepared tooth.

What are the technical characteristics of the #113 spatula?

The #113 retraction cord spatula is distinguished by its angled configuration and its #41 type handle. The serrated handle is designed to provide a secure grip, reducing the risk of slipping during the application of controlled forces. The active part is a cord placement spatula whose thickness and curvature are optimized not to damage the epithelial attachment while exerting the necessary pressure to lodge the cord at the bottom of the sulcus. As a Hu-Friedy product, this instrument benefits from the expertise of the manufacturer Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC in metallurgy and surface finishing, ensuring longevity and resistance to repeated sterilization cycles in the dental office.

What are the contraindications for the use of this device?

Although the raw MDR text does not specify direct medical contraindications, the use of this serrated spatula should be avoided in patients presenting with severe acute gingival inflammation or non-stabilized periodontitis, where mechanical manipulation could worsen tissue damage. Use must be strictly reserved for qualified healthcare professionals. It is imperative not to use the instrument if it shows signs of deformation or corrosion. Practitioners must carefully consult the Hu-Friedy manufacturer's instructions before any use to ensure the compatibility of the instrument with the intended clinical protocols and the patient's periodontal specificities.

What are the maintenance and usage precautions?

As a non-resorbable steel instrument, the #113 retraction cord spatula requires a rigorous decontamination and sterilization protocol after each use. The serrations of the #41 handle should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any biological residue before autoclaving. When inserting the cord, the practitioner must take care not to exert excessive pressure to avoid any trauma to the periodontal ligament or the attached gingiva. Manipulation must be precise and follow the anatomy of the dental neck. Proper maintenance guarantees the preservation of the mechanical properties of the Hu-Friedy instrument and ensures patient safety during successive interventions.

Who is the manufacturer and what standards are respected?

The #113 retraction cord spatula is manufactured by Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC, located at 3232 N. Rockwell St. Chicago, Il 60618 USA. This medical device is classified as Class I according to current regulations. As a Hu-Friedy instrument, it is designed to meet the most demanding professional quality standards in dental surgery. Compliance with Class I indicates that the product meets the safety and performance requirements applicable to this category of non-invasive or temporary-use invasive devices. Users are invited to read the instructions carefully before use to ensure usage in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.

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