For the original stainless-grade version, see [ProTaper Universal](/instruments/rotary-files/protaper-universal). For the reciprocating counterpart, see [WaveOne Gold](/instruments/reciprocating-files/waveone-gold).
ProTaper Gold
| Manufacturer | Dentsply Sirona |
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| Material | Heat-treated NiTi (gold wire) |
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| Motion | Continuous rotation |
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| Taper | Variable (progressive) |
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| Sequence | SX · S1 · S2 · F1–F5 |
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| Introduced | 2014 |
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ProTaper Gold is the heat-treated successor to ProTaper Universal, manufactured by Dentsply Sirona. The proprietary thermal treatment of the NiTi wire produces a gold-colored file with increased flexibility and cyclic fatigue resistance, while retaining the familiar variable-taper geometry of the original ProTaper system.
Standard sequence for a curved canal with a confirmed glide path (≥#15/.02):
- SX — auxiliary, optional coronal flaring
- S1 — primary shaper, advance to resistance
- S2 — secondary shaper, to full working length
- F1 — finishing, to working length (apical size 20/.07)
- F2–F5 — incremental finishers (25/.08 → 50/.05)
- Torque-controlled motor, 300 RPM, 2–4 N·cm.
- Always establish a reproducible glide path before S1. Files as small as #10 hand K-file should reach length passively.
- Irrigation between every file change. NaOCl 3–6% for dissolution; EDTA 17% for smear-layer removal at the end.
- Single-use recommended by the manufacturer. Cyclic fatigue compounds quickly in narrow, curved mesial canals.
- Paper points: ProTaper Gold matched-taper paper points (F1–F5)
- Gutta-percha: ProTaper Gold matched-taper GP cones (F1–F5)
- Motor: X-Smart Plus, X-Smart IQ, or any torque-controlled endo motor at 300 RPM / 2–4 N·cm
- Sealer: AH Plus (resin) or EndoSequence BC Sealer (bioceramic)
- Irrigation: Max-i-Probe side-vented needle, EndoActivator