Effect of Optimum Torque Reverse Motion on Torque and Force Generation during Root Canal Instrumentation with Crown-down and Single-length Techniques

IntroductionOptimum torque reverse (OTR) motion is a torque-sensitive reciprocal motion in which the motor rotates in alternating 90° counterclockwise and 180° clockwise rotation when the torque exceeds a predetermined value. This study aimed to examine whether OTR motion contributes to torque and force reduction during nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation with the crown-down or single-length technique.MethodsTwenty-eight simulated straight canals in resin blocks were divided into 2 groups according to the type of motion (OTR or continuous rotation). The groups were further subdivided according to the preparation technique (crown-down or single-length technique, n = 7 each). Automated root canal instrumentation was performed with a torque/force analyzing device (300 rpm, up-and-down speed of 10 mm/min) and EndoWave instruments (FKG Dentaire, La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) to size #25/0.06 taper. Maximum torque and apical force were recorded and analyzed with analysis of variance and the Bonferroni test.ResultsDuring the crown-down preparation phase (#35/0.08, #30/0.06, #25/0.06, and #20/0.06), OTR motion developed lower maximum torque and upward force (representing the screw-in force) than continuous rotation. During the apical preparation phase (#25/0.06), OTR motion generated significantly lower maximum clockwise and counterclockwise torque (P < .05) when the single-length technique was used and significantly lower maximum upward force regardless of the preparation technique (P < .05) compared with continuous rotation.ConclusionsUnder the present experimental conditions, OTR motion reduced both torque and screw-in force during the crown-down preparation phase of the crown-down technique and during the apical preparation phase of the single-length technique.     

Resistance to cyclic fatigue of reciprocating instruments determined at body temperature and phase transformation analysis

The purpose of this study was to compare cyclic fatigue (CF) resistance of reciprocating instruments at body temperature and relate the findings to their martensitic transformation temperatures. Contemporary nickel‐titanium (NiTi) reciprocating instruments WaveOne Primary, WaveOne Gold Primary and EdgeFile X1 (n = 20 each and #25 tip diameter) were tested for CF resistance at body temperature (37 ± 1°C). Instruments were actioned according to manufacturer guidelines until fracture occurred in a simulated canal (angle of curvature = 60°, radius of curvature = 3 mm and centre of curvature = 5 mm from the tip). Time to fracture was recorded, and data analysed using Weibull analysis. Two instruments of each were tested using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to assess phase transformation temperatures. Reciprocating instruments manufactured with new alloys seem to be safer to CF than those manufactured with traditional M‐Wire at body temperature. Martensitic transformation temperatures seem not to relate with fatigue behaviour for reciprocating motions.     

Torsional,Static, and Dynamic Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Reciprocating and Continuous Rotating Nickel-Titanium Instruments

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate torsional, dynamic, and static cyclic fatigue resistance of the reciprocating One RECI (OR; Micromega, Besançon, France), WaveOne Gold (WOG; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), rotary One Curve (OC, MicroMega), and ProTaper Next X2 (PTN X2; Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC) instruments.MethodsA total of 120 OR (n = 30), WOG (n = 30), OC (n = 30), and PTN X2 (n = 30) nickel-titanium instruments were used. Torque and rotation angle until failure under static torsion loading were measured according to ISO 3630-1. Static and dynamic fatigue resistance was measured as the time to fracture in an artificial stainless steel canal with a 60° angle and 5-mm radius of curvature at intracanal temperature. The results were analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey test. The alpha-type error was set at 5%. Fracture instruments from torsion and fatigue tests were examined with a scanning electron microscope.ResultsOR showed higher static fatigue resistance and rotation angle at fracture than WOG, OC, and PTN X2 (P < .05). WOG exhibited higher torsional resistance than the others (P < .05). The cyclic fatigue tests in dynamic mode had higher TTF than static for the PTN X2 and WOG groups (P < .05). In the dynamic tests, OR and WOG showed higher TTF than OC and PTN X2 (P < .05).ConclusionsUnder these experimental conditions, One RECI exhibited suitable mechanical properties with the highest cyclic fatigue resistance and angle of rotation among the tested instruments.     

Comparison of Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Nickel-Titanium Coronal Flaring Instruments

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of coronal flaring instruments.MethodsThree groups of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic coronal flaring instruments were tested in steel canals with a 3-mm curvature radius and 60° (n = 18) and 45° of curvature (n = 18). The cyclic fatigue of the following NiTi instruments was tested: ProTaper Sx (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), HyFlex 25.08 (Coltene-Whaledent, Allstetten, Switzerland), and Revo-S SC1 (Micro-Mega, Besancon, France). The length and diameter of the fractured fragment and the total area of the fractured surface of each instrument were measured. The data were then statistically analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey test (α = .05).ResultsAt the 60° of curvature, Revo-S had the highest fatigue resistance, HyFlex had the second highest fatigue resistance, and ProTaper Universal had the least fatigue resistance. At the 45° of curvature, the Revo-S and HyFlex showed superior cyclic fatigue resistance compared with the ProTaper. The length of the fracture fragment of the ProTaper instrument was longer than that of the other groups at the 60° of curvature. At the 45° of curvature, the length of the fracture fragment of the ProTaper and HyFlex instruments was longer than that of Revo-S. The mean diameter and surface area of the HyFlex instruments in the fractured part was higher than that of other groups at both angles of curvature.ConclusionsThe Revo-S SC1 and HyFlex 25.08 instruments showed better cyclic fatigue resistance than the ProTaper Sx instrument.     

Cyclic fatigue of NiTi instruments used in complex curvatures with continuous or reciprocating rotation

AimThe aim of present study was to compare cyclic fatigue resistance of Twisted files (TF, Sybron Endo, Glendora, CA) instrument used with continuous rotation and the new Motion (TFAdaptive rotating reciprocation), to evaluate if the new reciprocating motion could affect the lifespan of tested instruments.Methodology30 new TF instruments were submitted to cyclic fatigue tests. Group 1 instruments were tested using a TFA motion (TFA) while group 2 instruments were used in continuous rotation at 500 rpm (CR). The cyclic fatigue testing device used in the present study has been used for studies on cyclic fatigue resistance previously. The artificial canal was manufactured to provide the instrument with a very challenging trajectory 60° curvature, with a 2 mm radius.All instruments were rotated or reciprocated until fracture occurred. The time to fracture was recorded. All data were subjected to statistical evaluation with analysis of variance test.ResultsTFA reciprocating motion showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the time to failure when compared to continuous rotation. Mean time to failure was 131 s (SD ±25.2) for group 1 (TFA), and was 68 s (SD ±14.8) for continuous rotation group (CR).ConclusionsIn accordance with those findings, the results of the present study showed a significant increase of cyclic fatigue resistance of instruments used with the TFA motion. This can be explained by the alternance of engaging/disengaging movements, since the motion can be defined as a non-continuous rotation, while the traditional continuous rotation movement continuously engages and stresses the instruments.     

Cyclic fatigue resistances of Hyflex EDM,WaveOne gold,Reciproc blue and 2shape NiTi rotary files in different artificial canals

The aim of the present study was to compare the cyclic fatigue resistances of HyFlex EDM (HEDM), WaveOne Gold (WOG), Reciproc Blue (RB), and 2Shape (TS) NiTi systems having different metallurgic properties. HEDM, WOG, RB, and TS instruments were rotated in artificial canals which were made of stainless steel with an inner diameter of 1.5 mm, 45°, and 90° angles of curvatures and a radius of curvature of 5 mm until fracture occurred, and the time to fracture (TTF) was recorded in seconds. Also, number of cycles to fracture was calculated (NCF). Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and t test. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05. When comparing the TTF of all the instruments tested in the artificial canal with 45° curvature, RB had statistically the highest cyclic fatigue resistance followed by HEDM and TS (P < 0.05), while the WOG showed the lowest cyclic fatigue resistance (P < 0.05). In artificial canal with 90° curvature, RB showed a significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance than the other tested files (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference among the TS, WOG and HEDM groups (P > 0.05). When the NCF values were taken into consideration, HEDM reported a significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance than TS in both canal curvatures analyzed (P < 0.05). Within the limitations of the present study, RB NiTi files showed statistically higher cyclic fatigue resistance in artificial canals with 45° and 90° than the other NiTi files tested.     

Influence of Continuous or Reciprocating Motion on Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of 4 Different Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance to flexural fatigue of Reciproc R25 (VDW, Munich, Germany), WaveOne Primary (VDW, Munich, Germany), Mtwo (Sweden & Martina, Padova, Italy), and Twisted File (TF; SybronEndo, Orange, CA) instruments used in continuous rotation or in 2 different reciprocating motions.MethodsA total of 180 nickel-titanium files from 4 brands marketed, 2 for use in reciprocating motion (ie, Reciproc R25 and WaveOne Primary) and 2 for use in continuous rotation (ie, Mtwo and TF both taper .06/0.25 tip diameter), were tested. Forty-five instruments for each brand were divided into 3 groups (n = 15) on the basis of the motion tested: continuous rotation (group 1: 300 rpm) and reciprocal motion (group 2: “RECIPROC ALL” mode and group 3: “WAVEONE ALL” mode). The resistance to cyclic fatigue was determined by counting the number of cycles to failure in a 60° curve with a 5-mm radius. Data were analyzed through 2-way analyses of variance.ResultsThe cyclic fatigue resistance of the 2 reciprocating motion instruments (ie, “RECIPROC ALL” and “WAVEONE ALL”) was significantly higher than the continuous rotation in each brand (P < .001). No significant difference was observed in cyclic fatigue between the 2 different reciprocal motions tested in each brand (P > .05). When considering the appropriate clinical motion for each brand, no significant difference in cyclic fatigue was found between TF, Mtwo, and Reciproc R25 instruments, whereas the cyclic fatigue resistance of WaveOne files was less than the other 3 brands (P < .05).ConclusionsReciprocal motion showed a significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance in all brands compared with continuous rotation. No differences were found between the 2 reciprocating motions.     

Influence of Kinematics on the Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Replicalike and Original Brand Rotary Instruments

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the cyclic fatigue resistance of 3 replicalike rotary instruments compared with their original brand systems using continuous rotation and optimum torque reverse (OTR) kinematics.MethodsNew F1 rotary instruments (n = 20 per group) from ProTaper Universal (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Maillefer) original brand systems were compared with 3 replicalike instruments (U-File [Dentmark, Ludhiana, India], Super Files [Shenzhen Flydent Medical, Shenzhen, China], and Super Files Blue [Shenzhen Flydent Medical]) regarding cyclic fatigue resistance. In each group, the selected instruments were randomly distributed into 2 subgroups (n = 10) according to the kinematics. In the rotary group (ROT), the instruments were activated with a continuous clockwise rotation (300 rpm, 1.5 Ncm), whereas in the OTR group, asymmetric oscillatory motion was performed setting the OTR function at 300 rpm and adjusting the torque limit at the minimum level using the TriAuto ZX2 motor (J Morita, Kyoto, Japan). The time to fracture was recorded and statistically compared according to the kinematics (ROT × OTR) and the instrument type (replicalike × original brand) using the independent sample t test (α = 0.05). Additionally, the metal alloy characterization of each system was performed by differential scanning calorimetry and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed significantly higher time to fracture for all rotary systems tested in OTR motion compared with continuous rotation (P < .05) with a mean percentage increase ranging from 52.1% (ProTaper Gold) to 156.7% (U-File). The replicalike instruments showed a significantly higher time to fracture compared with the respective original brand instruments in either ROT or OTR motion (P < .05). Replicas presented austenitic temperatures above the ones displayed by the original brands and an almost equiatomic ratio between nickel and titanium elements.ConclusionsOTR motion significantly improved the fatigue resistance of both original and replicalike systems. The replicas showed higher cyclic fatigue resistance than original brand instruments and higher transition temperatures to the austenitic phase.     

Comparison of cyclic fatigue resistance of novel nickel‐titanium rotary instruments

New files (ProTaper Next/HyFlex/OneShape) are made from novel nickel‐titanium (NiTi) alloys/treatments. The purpose of this study was to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of these new instruments with that of Revo‐S instruments. Four groups of 20 NiTi endodontic instruments were tested in steel canals with a 3 mm radius and a 60° angle of curvature. The cyclic fatigue of the following NiTi instruments with a tip size 25 and 0.06 taper that were manufactured with different alloys was tested: ProTaper Next X2 (M‐Wire), OneShape (conventional NiTi), Revo‐S Shaping Universal (conventional NiTi) and HyFlex 25/0.6 (controlled memory NiTi wire). A one‐way anova and post‐hoc Tukey's test (α = 0.05) revealed that the HyFlex files had the highest fatigue resistance and the Revo‐S had the least fatigue resistance among the groups (P < 0.001).     

Dynamic cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of TruNatomy compared with different nickel–titanium rotary instruments

This study evaluated the dynamic cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of recently introduced TruNatomy instruments (TRN) and compare with HyFlex CM (HFC), Vortex Blue (VB) and FlexMaster (FM) instruments. Size 20, 0.04 taper of TRN, HFC, VB and FM instruments was tested for dynamic cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance. Dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance was evaluated using an artificial canal with a radius of 5 mm and a 90° angle of curvature. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) was calculated. The dynamic torsional fatigue resistance was evaluated by holding a 5 mm of the tip of each instrument in a metal block with composite resin. Torsional fatigue resistance was recorded by counting the number of load applications before fracture for each instrument. The HFC instruments had greater fatigue resistance than VB, TRN and FM. FM had a higher resistance to torsional stress than TRN, HFC and VB instruments.     

Cyclic fatigue analysis of Reciproc R25® instruments with different kinematics

This study aimed to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of Reciproc® instruments when used with different kinematics (150° counterclockwise (CCW)–30° clockwise (CW), 270° CCW–30° CW, 360° CCW–30° CW and continuous rotation). Various kinematics were tested in steel canals with a 3 mm radius and a 60° angle of curvature as follows (n = 20): 150° CCW–30° CW, 270° CCW–30° CW, 360° CCW–30° CW and 360° CCW (rotary motion). Reciproc R25® instruments were used until fracture occurred. The time to fracture was recorded in seconds. The data were statistically analysed using a one‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's post‐hoc tests (P = .05). The cyclic fatigue resistance of Reciproc R25® instruments used with various kinematics in decreasing order was as follows: 150° CCW–30° CW > 270° CCW–30° CW = 360° CCW–30° CW > 360° CCW rotary motion. The 150° CCW–30° CW reciprocating motion had the best performance in time to fracture. All reciprocating motions (150° CCW–30° CW, 270° CCW–30° CW and 360° CCW–30° CW) resulted in a longer mean duration to failure compared with the 360° CCW rotary motion.     

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Rotary and Reciprocating Nickel-Titanium Instruments Subjected to Static and Dynamic Tests

IntroductionThis study compared the static and dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance of contemporary nickel-titanium instruments with different kinematic, metallurgic, and design features to establish whether the fatigue-reducing effect of the pecking motion differs among different nickel-titanium instruments.MethodsProTaper Gold (PTG), Hyflex EDM (EDM), Reciproc Blue (RPB), and WaveOne Gold (WOG) files were divided into 2 groups of 10 for the static and dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance tests. A stainless steel artificial canal with 1.5-mm inner diameter, 60° angulation, and 3-mm radius of curvature was used. In the dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance test, speeds were set at 100 and 200 mm/min for the descending and ascending motion, respectively. The number of cycles to fracture (NCF) was calculated, the fractured lengths were recorded, and fractographic analysis of the fractured surfaces was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed statistically with the Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni correction (alpha = 0.05).ResultsThe RPB and EDM showed significantly higher NCF in the static and dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance tests (P < .05). The dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance test showed significantly higher NCF than the static cyclic fatigue resistance test in the PTG and EDM (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the RPB and WOG (P > .05).ConclusionsIn the experimental condition where the ascending speed was higher than the descending speed, the dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance was significantly higher than the static cyclic fatigue resistance in continuous rotary instruments, but not in reciprocating instruments.     

Effect of Field of View and Voxel Size on CBCT-Based Accuracy of Dynamic Navigation in Endodontic Microsurgery: An In Vitro Study

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the influence of field of view (FOV) and voxel size on the accuracy of dynamic navigation (DN)–assisted endodontic microsurgery (EMS).MethodsNine sets of maxillary and mandibular 3-dimensional–printed jaw models composed of 180 teeth were divided into 9 groups with different FOVs (80 × 80 mm, 60 × 60 mm, and 40 × 40 mm) and voxel sizes (0.3 mm, 0.16 mm, and 0.08 mm). The endodontic DN system was used to plan and execute the EMS. The accuracy of the DN-EMS was represented by the platform deviation, end deviation, angular deviation, resection angle, and resection length deviation. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 24.0, and the significance level was set at P < .05.ResultsThe average platform deviation, end deviation, angular deviation, resection angle, and resection length deviation were 0.69 ± 0.31 mm, 0.93 ± 0.44 mm, 3.47 ± 1.80°, 2.35 ± 1.76°, and 0.41 ± 0.29 mm, respectively. No statistically significant differences in accuracy were observed between the nine FOV and voxel size groups.ConclusionsFOV and voxel size did not appear to play an important role in the accuracy of DN-EMS. Considering the image quality and radiation dose, it is reasonable to select a limited FOV (such as 40 × 40 mm and 60 × 60 mm) to cover only the registration device, involved teeth, and periapical lesion. The voxel size should be selected according to the required resolution and cone-beam computed tomography units.     

Practice‐based clinical evaluation of metal–ceramic and zirconia molar crowns: 3‐year results

This practice‐based study evaluates the clinical performance of conventionally luted metal–ceramic and zirconia molar crowns fabricated with pronounced anatomical core design and a prolonged cooling period of the veneering porcelain. Fifty‐three patients were treated from 07/2008 until 07/2009 with either metal–ceramic crowns (MCC) (high‐noble alloy + low‐fusing porcelain) or zirconia crowns (Cercon System, DeguDent, Germany). Forty‐nine patients (30 women/19 men) with 100 restorations (metal–ceramic: 48/zirconia: 52, mean observational period: 36·5 ± 6 months) participated in a clinical follow‐up examination and were included in the study. Time‐dependent survival (in situ criteria), success (event‐free restorations) and chipping rates (defects of the veneering ceramics) were calculated according to the Kaplan–Meier method and analysed in relation to the crown fabrication technique, using a Cox regression model (P < 0·05). Three complete failures (metal–ceramic: 1, zirconia: 2) were recorded (survival rate after 3 years: metal–ceramic: 97·6%, zirconia: 95·2%). Of the metal–ceramic restorations, 90·9% remained event‐free (two ceramic fractures, one endodontic treatment), whereas the success rate for the zirconia was 86·8% (two ceramic fractures, one endodontic treatment, one secondary caries). No significant differences in survival (P = 0·53), success (P = 0·49) and ceramic fracture rates (P = 0·57) were detected. The combination of a pronounced anatomical core design and a modified firing of the veneering porcelain for the fabrication of zirconia molar crowns resulted in a 3‐year survival, success and chipping rate comparable to MCC.     

Mechanical Performance and Metallurgical Characteristics of 5 Different Single-file Reciprocating Instruments: A Comparative In Vitro and Laboratory Study

IntroductionBecause there are no data regarding an instrument recently introduced on the market (OneRECI; Coltene MicroMega, Besançon, France), the aim of this study was to assess its mechanical and metallurgical properties comparing them with the following widespread reciprocating instruments: Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany), Reciproc Blue (VDW), EdgeOne Fire (EdgeEndo, Albuquerque, NM), and WaveOne Gold (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland).MethodsA total of 65 nickel-titanium files from 5 different reciprocating systems (OneRECI, Reciproc, Reciproc Blue, EdgeOne Fire, and WaveOne Gold) were evaluated throughout a combined mechanical and metallurgical method. Mechanical performances of the selected file were examined by subjecting each specimen to cyclic fatigue and torsional and bending resistance tests, whereas their metallurgical properties were assessed by analyzing the nickel-titanium alloy composition and the phase transformation temperatures through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. One-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey test were performed with the significance level set to a 95% confidence level.ResultsEnergy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed a similar alloy composition for all of the tested files, with a nickel percentage of about 52%–53% and a corresponding percentage of titanium of 47%–48%, whereas the differential scanning calorimetry analysis, although it indicated martensitic characteristics for all files, showed differences in terms of phase transformation temperatures. Overall, OneRECI showed the best mechanical performances in terms of cyclic fatigue and torsional resistance (32.95 ± 2.33 seconds and 0.76 ± 0.03 Ncm, respectively) and flexibility (48.4 ± 4.1 g), with statistically significant differences for all tests (P < .05). The Reciproc files showed the worst flexibility and cyclic fatigue resistance (157.2 ± 8.3 g and 9.27 ± 1.18 seconds, respectively), whereas the EdgeOne Fire showed the lowest torsional resistance (0.39 ± 0.12 Ncm), with statistically significant differences (P < .05).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, the recently introduced OneRECI file showed the best mechanical performance in comparison to the tested instruments, with an equiatomic composition of the nickel-titanium alloy and a martensitic behavior.     

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Novel Glide Path Instruments with Different Alloy Properties and Kinematics

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cyclic fatigue resistance of the WaveOne Gold Glider (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), R-Pilot (VDW, Munich, Germany), and ProGlider (Dentsply Maillefer) glide path instruments.

Effect of hydrothermal and mechanical aging on the fatigue performance of high-translucency zirconias

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of mechanical fatigue cycling using the step-stress approach along with hydrothermaldegradation (134 ºC with a constant pressure of 2 bars for 20 h), and a novel intercalated hydrothermal/fatigue aging protocol on different aspects of the aging resistance of three generations of dental zirconias.Methods“Y”Z T (VITA), INCORIS “T”ZI (Dentsply Sirona) and “K”ATANA UTML (Noritake Kuraray) ? 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation, respectively-, zirconia disks (N = 153), were divided into 6 groups (n = 3) for monotonic testing and 9 groups (n = 15) for mechanical fatigue testing, according to 3 proposed treatments for each zirconia: CF (control – only mechanical fatigue cycling); AF (aging in hydrothermal reactor at 134 °C for 20 h + mechanical fatigue cycling); AFA (Alternating protocol: 4 steps of 5 h of hydrothermal aging intercalated with mechanical fatigue cycling). Mechanical fatigue aging was performed according to the step-stress approach through biaxial flexural setup (piston-on-3-balls, initial strength: 100 MPa, step: 50 MPa/10,000, frequency: 20 Hz) until failure. Data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Mantel-Cox test (α = 0.05), in addition to Weibull analysis. Fractured disks were analyzed in stereomicroscope, Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction.ResultsContinuous hydrothermal and mechanical fatigue cycling decreased the fatigue strength of YAF group (516 ± 38 MPa), while the alternating protocol increased it (730 ± 58 MPa). KATANA UTML showed no differences for both treatments and did not undergo t-m phase transformation. The TAF group showed the highest fatigue strength (810 ± 76 MPa) and cycles for failure (147,000.00 cycles). The fracture origin for all specimens was on the tensile side in pre-existing defects.SignificanceINCORIS TZI zirconia had higher fatigue strength and survival rates after hydrothermal and mechanical fatigue aging. Although less resistant, KATANA UTML did not suffer chemical degradation.     

Influence of cyclic torsional loading on the fatigue resistance of K3 instruments

Aim To evaluate the influence of cyclic torsional loading on the flexural fatigue resistance and torsional properties of rotary NiTi instruments. Methodology Twelve sets of new K3 instruments, sizes 20, 25 and 30 with an 0.04 taper, and sizes 20 and 25 with an 0.06 taper, were torsion tested until rupture, to establish their mean values of maximum torque and angular deflection. Twelve new K3 instruments of each of the following dimensions, size 30, 0.04 taper and sizes 20 and 25 with 0.06 taper, were tested to failure by rotation bending in a fatigue test device. Cyclic torsional loading was performed in 20 cycles from zero angular deflection to 180° and then return to zero applied torque. After cyclic loading, the same number of instruments were tested until rupture in torsion and flexural fatigue. Data obtained were subjected to a one way analysis of variance (anova ) at 95% confidence level. Results Cyclic torsional loading caused no significant differences in maximum torque or in maximum angular deflection of the instruments analysed, but comparative statistical analysis between measured NCF values of new and previously cycled K3 instruments showed significant differences for all tested instrument. Longitudinal cracks, that is, cracks apparently parallel to the long axis of the instruments cycled in torsion was observed. Conclusions Cyclic torsional loading experiments in new K3 rotary endodontic instruments showed that torsional fatigue decreased the resistance of these instruments to flexural fatigue, although it did not affect their torsional resistance.     

Influence of the Number of Pecking Motions at Working Length on the Shaping Ability of Single-file Systems in Long Oval-shaped Curved Canals

IntroductionThe present study compared the effect of the number of pecking motions at the working length (WL) on the shaping ability of single-file systems in long oval-shaped curved root canals.MethodsSingle-rooted mandibular premolars with long oval-shaped curved canals (25°–35°) were prescanned using micro–computed tomographic imaging, anatomically paired, and randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 15): XP-endo Shaper (XPS; FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), Reciproc Blue (RB; VDW, Munich, Germany), and WaveOne Gold (WOG; Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland). After preparation to the WL, each specimen underwent 1, 2, 4, 10, or 20 pecking motions to the WL and was rescanned. Morphologic parameters were measured and analyzed using a 2-factor repeated measures analysis of variance and the Scheirer-Ray-Hare test.ResultsThe minor apical diameter and percentage increase in canal volume increased with the number of pecking motions, whereas the percentage of unprepared canal surface area decreased (P < .05). The mean minor diameters (in mm) at D0 varied between 0.29 and 0.35 after 4 pecking motions with the RB and WOG systems and between 0.35 and 0.36 after 10 pecking motions with the XPS system. No significant differences in canal transportation or centering ratio were observed among the groups at the levels of canal curvature and canal thirds (P > .05).ConclusionsIncreasing the number of pecking motions improves the cutting efficacy of single-file systems without adversely altering the anatomic characteristics of oval-shaped curved canals. No more than 4 pecking motions for the RB and WOG systems and 10 pecking motions for the XPS system appear to be acceptable for the shaping of these difficult to clean root canals.     

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of XP-Endo Shaper,K3XF,and ProTaper Gold Nickel-titanium Instruments

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of the ProTaper Gold (PTG; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), K3XF (SybronEndo, Orange, CA), and XP-endo Shaper (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fond, Switzerland) nickel-titanium rotary instruments at intracanal temperatures.