Root Canal Shaping Using Nickel Titanium,M-Wire,and Gold Wire: A Micro–computed Tomographic Comparative Study of One Shape,ProTaper Next,and WaveOne Gold Instruments in Maxillary First Molars

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal shaping effect of instruments manufactured from nickel titanium, M-Wire, and Gold wire with different glide path preparation techniques.

Evaluation of Root Canal Transportation,Centering Ratio,and Remaining Dentin Thickness Associated with ProTaper Next Instruments with and without Glide Path

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the volume of removed dentin, transportation, and centering ability of ProTaper Next (PTN) system with and without glide path preparation by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging.MethodsSixty mesiobuccal canals of mandibular first molars with curvatures of 25°−35° were divided into 3 experimental groups (n = 20) according to the instrumentation technique as follows: group PG/PTN (glide path was created with ProGlider [PG]) and canals were shaped with PTN system), group PF/PTN (glide path was created with PathFile [PF]) and canals were shaped with PTN system), and group PTN (glide path was not performed and canals were shaped with PTN system only). Canals were scanned before and after instrumentation by using CBCT scanner to evaluate root canal transportation and centering ratio at 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apex and volumetric changes. Data were statistically analyzed, and the significance level was set at P < .05.ResultsThere was no significant difference among the tested groups regarding the volume of removed dentin and centering ratio (P > .05). At 3-mm and 5-mm levels, the PG/PTN group showed a significantly lower mean transportation value among the groups (P < .05). However, at 7-mm level, there was no significant difference in canal transportation among the groups (P > .05).ConclusionsPG/PTN instrumentation method revealed better performance with fewer canal aberrations when compared with instrumentation performed with PF/PTN or PTN only.     

The Impact of TruNatomy and ProTaper Gold Instruments on the Preservation of the Periradicular Dentin and on the Enlargement of the Apical Canal of Mandibular Molars

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the preservation of periradicular dentin and the enlargement of the apical canal of mandibular molars with TruNatomy (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Sirona) instruments.MethodsTwenty mandibular molars were scanned in a micro–computed tomographic device, anatomically paired, and distributed into 2 groups (n = 10). In the ProTaper Gold group, mesial and distal canals were prepared up to F2 (25/.08v) and F3 (30/.09v) instruments, whereas in the TruNatomy group, mesial and distal canals were enlarged up to the prime (26/.04v) and medium (36/.03v) instruments, respectively. After a new scan, the surface area, volume, unprepared areas, transportation, percentage of dentin removal, and dentin thickness parameters were calculated. Data were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney test, the Student t test, and the nonmetric multidimensional scaling test with alpha set at 5%.ResultsNo difference was found between groups regarding unprepared canal areas and the reduction of dentin thickness (P > .05). Transportation was lower than 0.1 mm in all groups, and statistical differences were observed only at the apical third of the mesiobuccal canal with lower values in the TruNatomy group. ProTaper Gold removed more dentin than TruNatomy at the coronal level of mesial roots (1.8% and 1.0%, respectively) (P < .05).ConclusionsTruNatomy and ProTaper Gold were efficient for performing canal preparation in mandibular molars. The tested systems were similar in terms of untouched canal walls and remaining dentin thickness and slightly different in the apical transportation of mesial canals and the percentage of dentin removal at the coronal third but without clinically significant errors.     

Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Analysis of Shaping Ability of XP-endo Shaper and ProTaper Next in Large Root Canals

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the shaping abilities of the XPS (XP-endo Shaper) and PTN (ProTaper Next) systems by using cone-beam computed tomography on apical, middle, and coronal thirds of the pre-created large canals with different apical sizes.MethodsSeventy-two teeth with single canal were divided into 3 groups, and then large root canals were created with apical diameter #30 (Group 1), #35 (Group 2), or #40 (Group 3) by using hand files. Each group was again divided into 2 experimental groups, and root canals were instrumented with either XPS or PTN. Canals were scanned before and after instrumentation by using cone-beam computed tomography scanner to evaluate mesiodistal transportation, buccolingual transportation, centering ratio, percent increased prepared area (PA) (mm²), and percent increased prepared outline (PO) (mm) at 2, 5, and 8 mm from the apex. Data were statistically analyzed, and the significance level was set at P < .05.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in PA, PO, and centering ratio values between instruments in size 30 and size 35. The mean increases in PA and PO (P < .021) were statistically higher with XPS in size 40. PTN had statistically higher buccolingual transportation in size 30 and size 35. XPS had lower mesiodistal transportation values in all 3 apical sizes.ConclusionsPTN system is able to remove the dentin even in cases of increased apical diameter. However, XPS has less canal transportation and better centering ability compared with PTN.     

Root Canal Preparation of Mandibular Molars with 3 Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments: A Micro–Computed Tomographic Study

Introduction

The aim of this study was to describe the canal shaping properties of ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), ProTaper Universal (PTU; Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Johnson City, TN), and WaveOne (Dentsply Maillefer) nickel-titanium instruments in mandibular first molars by using micro–computed tomographic (micro-CT) scanning.

Methods

A total of 36 maxillary first molars with 2 separate mesial canals and 1 distal canal were selected and scanned preoperatively and postoperatively by using micro-CT scanning with a voxel size of 30 μm. Canals were prepared with PTU, PTN, and WaveOne systems under hypochlorite irrigation. The volume of the untreated canal; the volume of dentin removed after preparation; the amount of the uninstrumented area; and the transportation to the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of canals were measured. The preparation time and instrument failure were also recorded.

Results

Instrumentation of canals increased their volume and surface area. The distal canals had a significantly higher proportion of unprepared surfaces than mesial canals (P < .05). The PTN system produced less transportation than the WaveOne and PTU systems in the apical third of the mesial canals (P < .05). There was no significant difference on apical transportation in distal canals among the 3 instrument systems. Instrumentation with WaveOne was significantly faster than with the other 2 instruments (P < .05).

Conclusions

The PTN, PTU, and WaveOne instruments shaped root canals in mandibular first molars in vitro without significant shaping errors. The curved canals prepared using PTN had less apical transportation than the canals prepared using WaveOne and PTU.     

Canal Transportation and Centering Ability in Long Oval Canals: A Multidimentional Analysis

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the centering ability and canal transportation of the ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and Self-adjusting File (SAF; ReDent-Nova, Ra'anana, Israel) systems in long oval root canals using cone-beam computed tomography imaging.MethodsFifty-six fully formed single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected with a buccolingual canal size 2 to 2.5 times the mesiodistal size at 5 mm from the apex, ranging from a 0°–10° canal curvature with a 5- to 6-mm radius. The teeth were divided into 2 groups (n = 28) and prepared with PTN or SAF according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Cone-beam computed tomographic images were taken in the same position before and after instrumentation using modeling wax. The centering ability and canal transportation were calculated at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex in both mesiodistal and buccolingual directions. The mean and standard deviation were calculated, and the Student t test was used for comparative analysis.Resultssignificant difference for canal transportation was observed mesiodistally at 9 mm from the apex (P < .05) where the PTN shaved more dentin in 1 direction. A significant difference for the centering ability was observed at 6 mm buccolingually from the apex (P < .05) where the PTN was less centered in the canal compared with the SAF.ConclusionsBoth SAF and PTN were shown to be safe for being used in long oval canals. SAF resulted in less transportation at the coronal third in the mesiodistal direction and more centered at the middle third in the buccolingual direction compared with PTN.     

The quality of apical canal preparation using hand and rotary instruments with specific criteria for enlargement based on initial apical file size

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of apical enlargement of mesiobuccal canals of mandibular molars using conventional stainless steel hand files (K files) and nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary instruments (LightSpeed). Thirty freshly extracted mandibular molars were randomly assigned to three equal groups (n = 10 each group). The mesiobuccal canals were instrumented with K file using step-back technique without coronal flaring (control; group 1), K file using step-back technique after coronal flaring (group 2), and LightSpeed instrumentation (group 3). Specific criteria for apical enlargement based on initial apical size were used. For step-back techniques, the master apical file sizes were based on the Grossman criterion of three sizes larger than the first file that bound at working length, without coronal flaring (group 1) and with flaring (group 2). For the LightSpeed (LS) group, the master apical rotary sizes were based on the manufacturer's recommendation. Canal cleanliness, canal transportation, and final canal shapes were determined histologically at 1-mm and 3-mm levels short of the working length. Canals were prepared to significantly larger sizes using LS instrumentation than with either hand instrumentation techniques (15-17 ISO units, p < 0.001). LS instrumentation allowed greater apical enlargement with significantly cleaner canals, less apical transportation, and better canal shape than both hand instrumentation groups at both levels (p < 0.05). None of the three techniques was totally effective in cleaning the apical canal space. It was concluded that greater apical enlargement using LS rotary instruments is beneficial as an attempt to further debride the apical third region in mesiobuccal canals of mandibular molars. Instrument designs, alloy properties, and canal curvature are important factors that determine the feasibility of greater apical enlargement in narrow canals.     

Micro-CT evaluation of rotary and reciprocating glide path and shaping systems outcomes in maxillary molar curved canals

The shaping outcomes after instrumentation with rotary and reciprocating glide path and shaping systems were evaluated through micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). Thirty extracted maxillary first molars were selected. Mesio-buccal canals were randomized into two groups (n?=?15): rotary system ProGlider and ProTaper Next X1, X2 (PG-PTN) and reciprocating system WaveOne Gold Glider and WaveOne Gold Primary (WOGG-WOG). Specimens were micro-CT scanned before, after glide path and after shaping. Increase in canal volume and surface area, percentage of removed dentin from the inner curvature, centroid shift and canal geometry variation through ratio of diameter ratios (RDR) and ratio of cross-sectional areas (RA) were measured in the apical and coronal levels and at the point of maximum curvature. The number of pecking motions needed to reach the working length (WL) was recorded. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Turkey–Kramer tests were used (p?<?0.05). Post-glide path analysis revealed that in the coronal third, RDR was more favorable to PG and centroid shift was lower for WOGG in the apical third. Post-shaping analysis showed a reduced removal of dentin and a more favorable RA for PTN at point of maximum curvature. The number of pecking motions up to WL resulted in different between groups both for glide path and shaping phases. Despite a higher dentin removal for reciprocating instruments at the point of maximum curvature, both systems seemed to produce well-centered glide path and shaping outcomes. Rotary and reciprocating systems seemed able to respect the original canal anatomy.

     

CT evaluation of apical canal transportation associated with stainless steel hand files, oscillatory technique and pro taper rotary system

This study used computed tomography (CT) to compare apical canal transportation in mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars prepared with different techniques. Sixty teeth were assigned to 3 groups (n=20), according to the technique used for root canal instrumentation: hand instrumentation with K-Flexofiles, K-Flexofiles activated by an oscillatory system and ProTaper NiTi rotary system. Pre and post-instrumentation CT images were obtained 3 mm short of the apical foramen and were superimposed to compare canal transportation. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test using the SPSS software (α=0.05). In the buccal direction, the manual technique produced significantly less canal transportation than the oscillatory technique (p<0.05) and both were similar to the rotary technique (p>0.05). In the distal and distopalatal directions, the oscillatory technique produced more canal transportation (p<0.05). In the mesiopalatal direction, the oscillatory technique produced more canal transportation than the manual technique (p<0.05), and both were similar to the rotary technique (p>0.05). In conclusion, all techniques produced canal transportation, and the oscillatory technique produced the greatest removal of root dentin toward the innerside of the root curvature.     

Micro–computed Evaluation of Canal Transportation and Centering Ability of 5 Rotary and Reciprocating Systems with Different Metallurgical Properties and Surface Treatments in Curved Root Canals

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the transportation and centering ability of 5 different rotary and reciprocating file systems with different metallurgical properties and surface treatments in curved root canals.MethodsFifty mesiobuccal round canals of upper molars with a curvature of 25°–40° were assigned to 5 experimental groups (n = 12) according to the instrumentation system used: ProTaper Next (Dentsply Sirona, York, PA), Reciproc Blue (RCB [VDW, Munich, Germany]), Reciproc (VDW), TruNatomy (TRN [Dentsply Sirona]), and XP-endo Shaper (FKG, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland). During instrumentation, 5 mL 2.5% sodium hypochlorite was used in each root canal. The final irrigation protocol included 15% EDTA followed by sodium hypochlorite irrigation. The micro–computed tomographic scanning of the samples was performed before and after instrumentation to analyze the transportation and centering ability at 3 canal levels. The results were analyzed with the 1-way analysis of variance test with the corresponding post hoc test.ResultsOverall, RCB caused significantly more canal transportation compared with the other techniques (P < .05). There were no significant differences between the other techniques (P > .05). ProTaper Next had a significantly better ability to stay within the central axis of the root canal compared with the Reciproc and RCB techniques (P = .046 and P = .017, respectively). In the apical third, all techniques caused similar apical transportation and centering ability (P > .05). In the middle and cervical parts of the canal, the RCB caused significantly greater canal transportation than the other techniques (P < .05).ConclusionsUnder the limitations of this study, all tested techniques had similar transportation and centering abilities in the apical part of the canal. However, the overall results and those in the middle and coronal parts of the canal indicated that reciprocating instruments resulted in more canal transportation and less centered preparations.     

Canal transportation caused by one single-file and two multiple-file rotary systems: A comparative study using cone-beam computed tomography

Aim

This ex-vivo study aimed to compare canal transportation in mesio-buccal canal of mandibular first molars prepared with Mtwo and Revo-S multi-file and Neoniti single-file nickel–titanium (Ni–Ti) rotary systems using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Evaluation of Two Trephine Techniques for Removal of Fractured Rotary Nickel-titanium Instruments from Root Canals

IntroductionThe aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects on root dentin of 2 trephining techniques using an ultrasonic tip or a trepan bur in the mesial canals of mandibular molars during attempts to remove fractured file fragments using micro–computed tomographic imaging.MethodsTwenty-one teeth with a similar anatomic configuration in mesial (buccal and lingual) canals were selected. A 4-mm apical segment of K3 file size 25/.06 was fractured in each mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canal 5 mm apically from the canal orifice. A staging platform was prepared at the coronal aspect of the broken instrument followed by either ultrasonics or a new trepan bur technique to expose a 1- to 1.5-mm length of the fragment. If the broken instrument could not be removed by exposing it either by ultrasound or the trepan bur, a microtube device was used to attach to and withdraw the fragment. Micro-CT scanning was performed before and after removing the broken instrument. Canal volume, diameter, and furcal root dentin thickness were measured by using image analysis software. The time required for the removal of the instrument fragments was recorded. The result was statistically analyzed using the paired t test.ResultsThe trepan bur technique had significantly less impact on canal volume, diameter, and furcal root dentin thickness change than the ultrasonic technique (P < .001). The time consumed for successful removal of the fragments was significantly less in the trepan bur group (8.9 ± 3.5 minutes) than in the ultrasonic group (25 ± 11.9 minutes) (P < .001).ConclusionsA new small-sized trepan bur technique was superior to the use of ultrasound with regard to the amount of dentin removed and the speed in the removal of fractured instruments from root canals.     

Comparing ProFile Vortex to ProTaper Next for the efficacy of removal of root filling material: An ex vivo micro-computed tomography study

Aim

This study compared the efficacy of ProFile Vortex (PV) with that of ProTaper Next (PTN) for the removal of root canal filling material.

Effect of Diabetes on Rotary Instrumentation of Dentin

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus (DM) may affect the physical and mechanical properties of dentin, which could potentially have an impact on root canal procedures. This study aimed to compare the amount of dentin removed by an endodontic rotary file, comparing dentin from diabetic patients with dentin from control patients under laboratory conditions.MethodsThe amount of dentin removed was tested using new F3 ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) files applied against the surface of prepared dentin discs for 3 different groups: diabetic type 1 (D1), diabetic type 2 (D2), and nondiabetic (normal). The dentin removed was determined by measuring the depth of penetration of the file using a digital caliper and by measuring the weight loss. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, analysis of variance, post hoc Tukey, and Pearson correlation tests (P < .05).ResultsSignificantly more dentin was removed, and the penetration of the F3 instrument was significantly higher (P < .05) in DM specimens. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the D1, D2, and normal groups (P < .05) for the weight loss of the specimen as well as the penetration depth at point B (P < .05). Both the weight loss and depth of penetration showed a very high positive correlation (P < .05).ConclusionsThe dentin of patients suffering from both D1 and D2 exhibited an increased amount of dentin removed compared with the nondiabetic dentin specimens. This can be observed by the increased penetration of the rotary instruments into dentin. Under certain circumstances, this may impact instrumentation, increasing procedural accidents and leading to subsequent weakening of root canal–treated teeth in diabetic patients.     

4种镍钛器械预备弯曲根管后成形能力比较

目的:比较4种镍钛器械预备弯曲根管后的成形能力.方法:收集临床上拔除的近颊根牙根弯曲度在20°～40°的上颌第一或第二恒磨牙40颗,随机分为4组,每组10颗,分别采用Protaper Universal、Protaper Next、TF、S3对近颊根进行根管预备.预备前、后采用Micro-CT扫描,使用Mimics17...     

Evaluating In Vitro Performance of Novel Nickel-Titanium Rotary System (TruNatomy) Based on Debris Extrusion and Preparation Time from Severely Curved Canals

IntroductionThis laboratory-based study aimed to investigate the quantitative amount of apically extruded debris from severely curved root canals and the preparation time for the novel rotary system TruNatomy (TN; Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC) compared with Reciproc Blue (RCB; VDW Dental, Munich, Germany), HyFlex (HyFlex Controlled Memory [HCM; Coltene/Whaledent, Altstatten, Switzerland] and HyFlex EDM [HEDM, Coltene/Whaledent]), and ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) rotary systems.MethodsOne hundred mandibular molar human teeth with severe curvature of the mesiobuccal canal (25°–45°) were included in the present study. The specimens were randomly distributed into 5 balanced groups (n = 20): TN, RCB, HCM, PTN, and HEDM. The amount of extruded debris for each group during instrumentation at body temperature was collected in an Eppendorf tube. After desiccation, the mean debris weights for each group were calculated. The total preparation time for each group was also recorded. Data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test at a significance level of P < .05.ResultsThe HCM and HEDM groups extruded a significantly higher amount of debris than the other tested groups (P < .001). TN extruded the least amount of debris, but it was not significantly different compared with the RCB and PTN groups (P > .05). In terms of preparation time, the TN group did not show any significant difference compared with the other groups.ConclusionsAll instrumentation systems extruded debris. TN was among the groups that produced the lowest amount of apically extruded debris that is clinically acceptable. The amount of apically extruded debris using the TN system was equal to 2 popular systems and statistically significantly less than 2 other popular systems studied.     

Effect of 2 Heat-treated Nickel-Titanium Files on Enlargement and Deformation of the Apical Foramen in Curved Canals: A Scanning Electronic Microscopic Study

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate under scanning electronic microscopy the enlargement and deformation of the apical foramen of curved mesiobuccal roots with both reciprocating and rotary single-file systems made of a newly heat-treated alloy through the use of Reciproc Blue (REC Blue; VDW, Munich, Germany) and XP-endo Shaper (XPS; FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland).MethodsForty mesiobuccal roots of mandibular and maxillary molars presenting a curvature ranging from 20°–40° were used in this study. The apical foramens were initially scanned with a scanning electronic microscope under 200× magnification. Roots were divided into 2 groups (n = 20): the REC Blue group instrumented with the REC Blue system and the XPS group instrumented with the XPS system. Both groups were instrumented at the foramen. The apical foramens were scanned after root canal preparation. The area, circularity, and ratio of the Feret diameters were calculated from each image. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis (P ≤ .05).ResultsThe area of the foramen increased significantly after canal shaping with REC Blue and XPS. The variation of the area was significantly greater with XPS. However, there were no significant differences in circularity and the ratio of the Feret diameters with both instruments.ConclusionsNo transportation was found when using REC Blue and XPS. The newly heat-treated nickel-titanium alloy did not promote deformation of the apical foramen in curved canals.     

Comparative Study of 6 Rotary Nickel-Titanium Systems and Hand Instrumentation for Root Canal Preparation in Severely Curved Root Canals of Extracted Teeth

IntroductionSome improvements have been developed with new generations of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments that led to their successful and extensive application in clinical practice. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the root canal preparations performed by using GT Series X and Twisted File systems produced by innovative manufacturing process with Revo-S, RaCe, Mtwo, and ProTaper Universal systems manufactured directly from conventional nitinol and with stainless steel K-Flexofile instruments.MethodsThe mesiobuccal root canals of 140 maxillary first permanent molars that had between 30°–40° curvature angle and 4- to 9-mm curvature radius of the root canal were used. After root canal preparations made by using GT Series X, Twisted File, Revo-S, RaCe, Mtwo, and ProTaper Universal NiTi rotary systems and stainless steel K-Flexofile instruments, transportation occurred in the root canal, and alteration of working length (WL) was assessed by using a modified double-digital radiographic technique. The data were compared by the post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference test.ResultsNiTi rotary systems caused less canal transportation and alteration of WL than K-Flexofile instruments (P < .05). There was no significant difference between NiTi rotary system groups at any levels (P > .05) except 2.5 mm from the WL. At this level ProTaper Universal system caused significant canal transportation (P < .05).ConclusionsGT Series X and Twisted File rotary systems produced with innovative process were concluded to shape the curved canals to result in minimal canal transportation, similar to Revo-S, RaCe, Mtwo, and ProTaper Universal rotary systems manufactured by traditional methods.     

Comparative Study of Different Novel Nickel-Titanium Rotary Systems for Root Canal Preparation in Severely Curved Root Canals

Introduction

We compared the effects of 6 different rotary systems on transportation, canal curvature, centering ratio, surface area, and volumetric changes of curved mesial root canals of mandibular molar via cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging.

Methods

Mesiobuccal root canals of 120 mandibular first molars with an angle of curvature ranging from 20°–40° were divided into 6 groups of 20 canals. Based on CBCT images taken before instrumentation, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and radius of canal curvature. Root canals were shaped with the following systems with an apical size of 25: OneShape (OS) (MicroMega, Besancon, France), ProTaper Universal (PU) F2 (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), ProTaper Next X2 (Dentsply Maillefer), Reciproc (R) R25 (VDW, Munich, Germany), Twisted File Adaptive (TFA) SM2 (SybronEndo, Orange, CA), and WaveOne primary (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK). After root canal preparation, changes were assessed with CBCT imaging. The significance level was set at P = .05.

Results

The R system removed a significantly higher amount of dentin than the OS, PU, and TFA systems (P < .05). There was no significant difference among the 6 groups in transportation, canal curvature, changes of surface area, and centering ratio after instrumentation.

Conclusions

The 6 different file systems straightened root canal curvature similarly and produced similar canal transportation in the preparation of mesial canals of mandibular molars. R instrumentation exhibited superior performance compared with the OS, TFA, and PU systems with respect to volumetric change.     

Root canal preparation with Endo-Eze AET: changes in root canal shape assessed by micro-computed tomography

AIM: To evaluate the relative performance of Endo-Eze Anatomic Endodontic Technology (AET) stainless steel instruments when shaping maxillary molar root canals in vitro. Methodology Extracted human maxillary molars were scanned, before and after root canal shaping with Endo-Eze AET, employing micro-computed tomography (muCT) at an isotropic resolution of 34 microm. Three-dimensional root canal models were reconstructed and evaluated for volume, surface area, 'thickness' (diameter), canal transportation and prepared surface. Preparation errors such as apical zips, perforations and fractured instruments were visually determined from those models. Means were contrasted using anova and Scheffé post-hoc tests. RESULTS: Volume and surface area increased significantly and similarly in mesiobuccal (mb), distobuccal (db) and palatal (p) canals and gross preparation errors (n = 17) were found. Mean root canal diameters, 5 mm coronal to the apex, increased from 0.31 to 0.52, 0.35 to 0.50 and 0.50 to 0.70 mm for mb, db and p canals, respectively. Mean canal transportation ranged from 0.15 to 0.29, 0.15 to 0.27 and 0.21 to 0.33 mm for apical, middle and coronal root canal levels, respectively, with highest values found for mb canals (P < 0.003). Root canals were significantly straightened during preparation (P < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, Endo-Eze AET instruments shaped root canals in maxillary molars with substantial canal transportation, particularly in mesiobuccal root canals. Preparation with this instrument removed high volumes of dentine, even though apical preparation was size 30. Based on the current results, Endo-Eze AET cannot be recommended for the preparation of teeth with curved root canals.