Torsional resistance of retreatment instruments

Introduction

This study compared the torsional resistance of two brands of rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments indicated for endodontic retreatment.

Methods

Mtwo retreatment instruments #15 and #25 (VDW, Munich, Germany) and ProTaper Universal retreatment instruments D2 and D3 (Maillefer/Dentsply, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were subjected to a torsional assay in clockwise rotation. The two parameters evaluated were maximum torque and angular deflection at failure. Fractured instruments had their fractured surfaces and helical shafts examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Results

The results indicated that the angular deflection at fracture decreased in the following order: Mtwo retreatment file #15 > Mtwo retreatment file #25 > ProTaper Universal retreatment file D2 > ProTaper Universal retreatment file D3. As for the maximum torque values, the results revealed the following descending order: ProTaper Universal file D2 > Mtwo retreatment file #25 > ProTaper Universal file D3 > Mtwo retreatment file #15. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that plastic deformation occurred along the helical shaft of the fractured instruments. Fractured surfaces were of the ductile type.

Conclusions

The instruments tested showed different torsional behavior depending on the parameter evaluated. If one considers that high angular deflection values may serve as a safety factor, then the Mtwo retreatment instruments showed significantly better results.