Canal markings produced by endosonic instruments

Abstract It has been recognised that ultrasonic files leave a diagonal pattern within the canal following endosonic instrumentation. There is confusion on the causative factor on the production of these marks. Furthermore there is little information about the marks produced by sonic files. An in vitro system consisting of highly polished dentin discs demonstrated that the ultrasonic K-file made a diagonal pattern that was an imprint of the cutting edges of the file. The sonic files produced different markings which were the result of their longitudinal and transverse motion. Root canals of extracted teeth were prepared with these instruments and similar grooves were observed. The ultrasonic K-file had diagonal grooves in the coronal and middle third of the root canal but longitudinal marks in the apical third. The rispisonic and shaper files produced debris even in the presence of NaOCl. This debris was formed into discrete parallel bands. Both longitudinal and transverse grooves were present and the canal had many other scratches similar to those seen with the dentin discs. There were differences between the marks produced by either ultrasonic or sonic endosonic instruments but it is unknown whether this influences the long term prognosis of the root canal therapy.     

The efficacy of step-down procedures during endosonic instrumentation

The step-back method of root canal preparation may not be suitable for endosonic files as they may be prevented from working efficiently within the apical region. This study determined the debris present in the apical portion of the canal after using three different endosonic instruments and compared the step-back versus the step-down technique; the latter involves initial preparation of the upper regions of the root canal which may reduce file constraint. Thirty-six teeth were prepared by either the step-back or step-down method using endosonic generators (magnetostrictive, piexoelectric, and sonic). Preparation times were standardized so that files were used for the same period. From scanning electron micrographs, debris removal was scored on a four-point scale by four clinicians. A log linear analysis showed that there was significantly less debris present with the step-down method using piezoelectric and sonic devices. More debris was present when files driven by a magnetostrictive instrument were used with the step-back method. This study showed that the step-down method may be useful when using certain types of endosonic generators.     

Endosonics – The ultrasonic synergistic system of endodontics

Abstract Endosonics is an ultrasonic synergistic system of root canal instrumentation and disinfection. Specially made endosonic dies and diamond instruments are energized by means of a Cavitron ultrasound generator (above 20 kHz frequency). An endosonic insert is designed to allow the traditional endodontic irrigant, sodium hypochlorite, to pass through and along the endo-sonic files. The irrigant is activated by the ultrasonic energy imparted from the energized instruments and the root canal becomes an ultrasonic bath. Thus, endosonics is a synergistic system. The ultrasonic energy makes the files vibrate and oscillate, facilitating the instrumentation of the root canal and, in addition, activates the irrigant for canal disinfection.     

声波器械去除根管玷污层能力的比较研究

目的:比较声波、超声波和手用器械去除根管玷污层能力。方法:收集离体单根管的前磨牙40个,随机分为4组,分别由声波器械、超声波器械、手用器械以及声波和手用器械联合行根管预备,应用扫描电镜进行观察,采用Wilcoxon秩和检验进行统计学分析,根据根管表面的玷污层的量和牙本质碎屑比较声波器械去除根管玷污层的能力。结果:根尖1/3部分,在去除玷污层方面,声波器械组、超声波器械组以及声波器械和手用器械联合组,与手用器械组之间有显著性差异(P<0.05);在去除牙本质碎屑方面,超声波器械组与手用器械组之间亦有显著性差异(P<0.05),声波器械组以及声波器械和手用器械联合组与手用器械组之间有非常显著性差异(P<0.01)。声波器械组以及声波器械和手用器械联合组,与超声波器械组在去除玷污层和牙本质碎屑方面无显著性差异(P>0.05)。根中1/3和根上1/3部分,各组间比较均无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论:根尖1/3根管预备,声波器械去除玷污层和牙本质碎屑的能力优于手用器械,尤其是去除牙本质碎屑的能力更强;与超声波器械近似。     

A comparison between a smooth wire and a K-file in removing artificially placed dentine debris from root canals in resin blocks during ultrasonic irrigation

AIM: To compare the efficacy of a smooth wire with a conventional K-file, in removing dentine debris from grooves in root canals made in resin blocks, during ultrasonic irrigation. METHODOLOGY: Each resin block containing a standard simulated canal was split longitudinally through the canal, forming two halves. In one canal wall, a standard groove 4 mm in length, 0.2 mm in width and 0.5 mm in depth was cut 2-6 mm from the apical end of the canal, to simulate uninstrumented canal extensions. Each groove was filled with fresh dentine debris mixed with 2% NaOCl to simulate a situation when dentine debris accumulates in uninstrumented canal extensions. Each canal was reassembled by joining the two halves of the resin block by means of wires and sticky wax. In each canal ultrasonic irrigation was performed for 3 min using 2% NaOCl as irrigant. In one group (n = 20) a conventional K-file size 15 was used. In the other group (n = 20) a smooth wire was used which had the same length and diameter as the size 15 K-file. Before and after irrigation, images of each half of the canal with a groove were taken, using a microscope and a digital camera, after which they were scanned into a PC as TIFF images. The quantity of dentine debris in the groove was evaluated using a scoring system: the higher the score, the larger the amount of debris remaining. The score data were analysed by means of the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: After ultrasonic irrigation, the debris was completely removed from the groove in 35 canals (87.5%), and there was no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.429). CONCLUSIONS: Using a smooth wire during ultrasonic irrigation is as effective as a size 15 K-file in removal of artificially placed dentine debris in grooves in simulated root canals in resin blocks.     

Appearance of the root canal walls after preparation with NiTi rotary instruments: a comparative SEM investigation

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, with scanning electron microscope (SEM), the appearance of root canal walls shaped by three different rotary NiTi techniques and one conventional manual technique in human extracted teeth. Four different instruments were used: K³, Hero 642, RaCe and K-file. Each sample was irrigated with 5 ml of 5% NaOCl and 5 ml of 3% H₂O₂ and EDTA, Rc-Prep (1 ml). Each sample was prepared for SEM observation and analyzed in the coronal, middle and apical third, comparing its aspect with a predefined scale of four different parameters: presence of smear layer, pulpal debris, inorganic debris and surface profile. The apical third showed significantly more pulpal and inorganic debris, smear layer and a high number of surface profile irregularities. No significant difference was found at the coronal, middle and apical thirds between manual and rotary techniques for inorganic debris, smear layer and surface profile. Much pulpal debris were found in the apical third for K³ and RaCe compared with Hero 642 and K-file. In conclusion, mechanical rotary techniques with NiTi instruments produced quite similar results compared with a conventional manual technique using K-files. The present study demonstrated that dentin and pulpal debris, the morphology of smear layer and surface profile were only partially influenced by the type of endodontic instruments. The apical third was the anatomical area with greater amount of debris and smear layer.     

Effect of precurving on the performance of endosonic K files.

This study compared the performance of precurved and straight endosonic files. Size 15, 20, and 25 endosonic K files were precurved to different degrees (20 to 90 degrees) and the resultant oscillatory pattern showed no significant difference compared with corresponding straight files. Endovue blocks were prepared with either a #15, 20, or 25 endosonic file which was either straight or precurved. Those blocks prepared with precurved files had a continuous taper while blocks prepared with straight files had constrictions along their lengths. Finally, a curved root of a human natural tooth had windows prepared along its length so that the oscillatory pattern of the file could be observed. The precurved file oscillated more freely than a straight file as observed by the presence of antinodes along the file and the accumulation of dentin chips within the canal. The results of this study suggest that it is advantageous to precurve endosonic files before using them in curved canals.     

Effectiveness and safety of a sonic vibratory endodontic instrument

Abstract An air-driven sonic vibratory handpiece to which specially designed K-type files are attached has been developed. When activated, the root canal instruments will vibrate in a whirling motion, and when moved up and down, will abrade the root canal wall. The sonic system was tested in simulated root canals in plastic blocks and in usage tests in dogs' teeth. Forty-nine roots in 3 dogs were divided into 3 groups. Two of the groups were instrumented with the sonic device under continuous irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl or 15% EDTA. The 3rd group was treated with conventional chemomechanical instrumentation and 2.5% NaOGl. The teeth were then extracted, fixed and split in a longitudinal direction and the root canals examined in the scanning electron microscope. After hand instrumentation and sonic instrumentation using NaOCl for irrigation, the canal wall was covered by a smear layer and dentin chips and occasional tissue remnants were seen. An extraoral fine mist of NaOCl was seen during continuous irrigation with this medicament, causing eye soreness in the operator. Continuous irrigation with EDTA during sonic instrumentation removed the smear layer and gave clean canal walls. The vibratory files appeared safe and size 20 followed curved canals well. The effectiveness of the sonic device was similar to hand instrumentation. It considerably improved the ease and, to some extent, the speed of root canal instrumentation.     

A comparative SEM investigation of the smear layer following preparation of root canals using nickel titanium rotary and hand instruments

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of NiTi flex K-file instruments and rotary FlexMaster and Race instruments (short for reamers with Alternating Cutting Edges) in root canal preparation. A total of 75 single rooted teeth with minimum curvature (< 5 degrees ) were selected and divided into three groups, each containing 25 teeth. Canals were prepared with NiTi flex K-file, FlexMaster and Race instruments using crown down preparation technique, up to size #40. After each instrument, the root canals were flushed with 5 ml of 0.5% NaOCl solution. The amount of debris and smear layer was quantified on the basis of Hulsmann method using a scanning electron microscope. Completely cleaned root canals were not found after instrumentation with any of the three instruments. In general, FlexMaster instruments left significantly less debris and smear layer than Race and NiTi flex K-file instruments (P < 0.05). NiTi flex K-files resulted in significantly more smear layer (P < 0.05) compared to Race and FlexMaster instruments only in the apical third of the canal.     

Broken instrument removal--two cases

This paper reports two clinical aids for the removal of broken instruments in root canals using a combination of hand instrumentation and ultrasonic devices. This technique is based on two phases: hand instrumentation with stainless-steel K-file instruments for bypassing the fragments, and K-files mounted on an ultrasonic handpiece for loosening and retrieval of the broken instruments. This method offers the following advantages: conservation of the remaining dentin wall of the root canal and elimination of the necessity for surgical treatment.     

Passive ultrasonic irrigation of the root canal: a review of the literature

Ultrasonic irrigation of the root canal can be performed with or without simultaneous ultrasonic instrumentation. When canal shaping is not undertaken the term passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) can be used to describe the technique. In this paper the relevant literature on PUI is reviewed from a MEDLINE database search. Passive ultrasonic irrigation can be performed with a small file or smooth wire (size 10-20) oscillating freely in the root canal to induce powerful acoustic microstreaming. PUI can be an important supplement for cleaning the root canal system and, compared with traditional syringe irrigation, it removes more organic tissue, planktonic bacteria and dentine debris from the root canal. PUI is more efficient in cleaning canals than ultrasonic irrigation with simultaneous ultrasonic instrumentation. PUI can be effective in curved canals and a smooth wire can be as effective as a cutting K-file. The taper and the diameter of the root canal were found to be important parameters in determining the efficacies of dentine debris removal. Irrigation with sodium hypochlorite is more effective than with water and ultrasonic irrigation is more effective than sonic irrigation in the removal of dentine debris from the root canal. The role of cavitation during PUI remains inconclusive. No detailed information is available on the influence of the irrigation time, the volume of the irrigant, the penetration depth of the instrument and the shape and material properties of the instrument. The influence of irrigation frequency and intensity on the streaming pattern as well as the complicated interaction of acoustic streaming with the adherent biofilm needs to be clarified to reveal the underlying physical mechanisms of PUI.     

超声冲洗在根管治疗术中应用

超声冲洗在根管治疗术中的应用越来越多。超声工作尖震动使冲洗剂产生空穴作用和声流作用,所产生的剪切力可清除根管壁上的牙本质碎屑及生物物质。镍钛工作尖能更好地顺应根管解剖形态。工作尖为光滑或K锉形态对牙本质碎屑和玷污层的清洁效果无明显区别。超声冲洗能更好地清除根管内的细菌、玷污层和牙本质碎屑等,并对根管内的复杂结构有更强的清洁效果。超声冲洗选用次氯酸钠为冲洗剂可取得良好效果。冲洗液的使用量较其浓度更为重要,间断冲洗比连续冲洗更有效。超声工作尖插入的方向和深度亦会对冲洗效果产生影响。现从超声冲洗的作用机制、仪器设备、冲洗效果和影响因素等方面做一总结,以指导临床实践。     

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??Ultrasonic irrigation has been increasingly used in root canal therapy. The oscillating ultrasonic tips can induce cavitation and acoustic streaming??which can produce shear stress along the root canal wall and remove debris and bacteria. Nickel-titanium tips can adjust the anatomic modality of root canal preferably. There is no significant difference between a smooth wire and a cutting K-file as the ultrasonic tip on the removal of dentine debris and smear layer. Passive ultrasonic irrigation??PUI??removes more bacteria??smear layer and dentine debris and is an important supplement for cleaning complicated root canal system. Irrigation with sodium hypochlorite is effective. The use volume of irrigation is more important than density. PUI with a pulsation pattern is more effective in removing dentine debris than a continuous oscillation. The insertion direction and depth of the ultrasonic tip are affective. In this paper the mechanism of action??instrumentation??efficiency and relevant factors of PUI were reviewed in order to guide the practical application.     

Ultrasound in dentistry. Part 2--Periodontology and endodontics.

Ultrasound in the kHz frequency range is used widely in clinical dentistry. The most common uses are in the fields of periodontology and endodontics. The ultrasonic scaler works by the vibratory chipping action of the oscillating tip and is assisted by the presence of cavitational activity in the associated cooling water. When assessing clinical studies it is often difficult to interpret results from different workers due to the lack of standardization of the ultrasonic scaler. Operators should be aware of the oscillatory pattern of different instruments. Endosonics utilizes an ultrasonically oscillating endodontic file to clean and shape the root canal prior to obturation. The cleaning ability of such files is assisted by the occurrence of acoustic microstreaming forces. The endosonic file is prone to constraint when it contacts the canal wall which alters its oscillatory pattern. Clinical techniques should be modified to reduce this problem.     

Efficacy of ProTaper universal retreatment files in removing filling materials during root canal retreatment

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the ProTaper Universal System rotary retreatment system and of Profile 0.06 and hand instruments (K-file) in the removal of root filling materials. Forty-two extracted single-rooted anterior teeth were selected. The root canals were enlarged with nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files, filled with gutta-percha and sealer, and randomly divided into 3 experimental groups. The filling materials were removed with solvent in conjunction with one of the following devices and techniques: the ProTaper Universal System for retreatment, ProFile 0.06, and hand instruments (K-file). The roots were longitudinally sectioned, and the image of the root surface was photographed. The images were captured in JPEG format; the areas of the remaining filling materials and the time required for removing the gutta-percha and sealer were calculated by using the nonparametric one-way Kruskal-Wallis test and Tukey-Kramer tests, respectively. The group that showed better results for removing filling materials was the ProTaper Universal System for retreatment files, whereas the group of ProFile rotary instruments yielded better root canal cleanliness than the hand instruments, even though there was no statistically significant difference. The ProTaper Universal System for retreatment and ProFile rotary instruments worked significantly faster than the K-file. The ProTaper Universal System for retreatment files left cleaner root canal walls than the K-file hand instruments and the ProFile Rotary instruments, although none of the devices used guaranteed complete removal of the filling materials. The rotary NiTi system proved to be faster than hand instruments in removing root filling materials.     

A comparative study of seven instruments in shaping the root canal in vitro

The objective of this study was to evaluate the shaping characteristics of various root canal instruments using human teeth. A total of 420 extracted human roots were embedded in resin blocks. The embedded roots were divided into three groups, i.e. roots with (i) straight, (ii) apically curved, and (iii) whole-length curved canals according to the Schneider's angle and the length of the radius of arc fitting the curvature of root canals. Each of the three groups containing 140 roots were randomly divided into seven subgroups prior to preparation. The canals were prepared manually with traditional and flexible instruments, engine driven Racer-type, Giro-type, randomly vibrating instruments and with sonic and ultrasonic instruments. The shortcomings of the seven preparation methods were assessed by the superimposition of projected radiographs taken in bucco-lingual and mesio-distal views before and after the preparation. The prepared straight canals showed a high percentage (75.7%) of apical asymmetry. Coronal transposition of the apical stop was graded with higher scores in all canal forms prepared with Racer-type and Giro-type instruments, which could have occurred through packing of debris towards the apical constriction. The majority of the prepared curved canals were asymmetrical in shape. The location of the aberrations depended on the original shape of the canal but the method of shaping also had a decisive effect on the post-operative form of the canal. Large differences were found between the incidence of elbow (11.7-40.0%) and zip (75.7-80.0%). K-Flex files produced minor canal aberrations and significantly less asymmetry (P < 0.05) than the conventional hand instruments. The MM 1400 handpiece and ultrasonic instruments were associated with less aberration and significantly less asymmetry than the other instruments tested. The Excalibur appeared to be superior to the conventional hand instruments in straight canals, but its shaping characteristics were similar to conventional instruments in curved canals. Under the conditions of this study, canal shaping with Cavi Endo, MM 1400 and K-Flex files appeared to be superior to that achieved with conventional hand instruments Excalibur, Intra Lux Endo Kopf 3LDSY, and 3LD instruments.     

Streaming patterns produced around endosonic files

Acoustic microstreaming is known to be an important phenomenon associated with the use of clinically available endosonic systems. However, it has proved difficult to calibrate its pattern and effectiveness around the oscillating file. An in-vitro model system consisting of slow setting plaster was developed to demonstrate the activity of streaming around both ultrasonically and sonically activated files. For ultrasonic files, streaming occurred mainly in front of and behind the file, in contrast to the sonic file, where the plaster was disturbed evenly around it. With both types of file most activity occurred around the file tip, and became reduced towards the driver. Streaming patterns associated with the ultrasonic device were found to be dependent on the power setting of the instrument and whether the side of the file was constrained or lightly touched. The sonic device produced a large disturbance around the freely oscillating tip. Under load this streaming occurred along the whole length of the file, and was unaffected by constraint. This investigation demonstrated that streaming does occur with the instruments currently available, although it is dependent on their operating conditions. Clinical users of such equipment should be aware of the characteristic three-dimensional patterns of streaming that occur around these endosonic files, in order to maximize their efficiency.     

Effect of precurving endosonic files on the amount of debris and smear layer remaining in curved root canals.

Endosonic files are prone to constraint; this reduces their efficiency, particularly in the apical third and in curved root canals. Precurving the file may reduce constraint, thereby improving the file's ability to debride. This investigation was undertaken to compare both straight and precurved endosonic files as to debris and smear layer removal. Thirty-six curved root canals were randomly allocated into six groups. Each group was prepared using a step-down technique, then instrumented with either a straight or precurved endosonic file of size 15, 20, or 25. The tooth roots were split and examined under the scanning electron microscope. Blind examinations were made for debris and smear layer removal and evaluation scores were analyzed using a log linear approach. The root canals instrumented with the precurved files had a significantly lower debris score than those prepared with straight files. Precurving did not affect smear layer removal. In conclusion, precurving of files decreased the amount of debris but did not affect smear layer removal.     

The oscillatory pattern of sonically powered endodontic files

When operated in air, the sonic endodontic instrument produced a movement at the driver head which resulted in a large elliptical oscillation of the file. This motion had similar properties to ultrasonically operated files in that there was a distinct variability in the magnitude of the vibratory motion between files of different design, length and thickness. When the sonic file was loaded, the elliptical motion was eliminated leaving a pure longitudinal file oscillation. This mode of vibration was particularly efficient as it was largely unaffected by loading, with the displacement amplitude being similar for different types of file used. The oscillatory pattern of the sonic file may offer a useful mode of mechanically assisted root canal preparation.     

Effects of constraint on the oscillatory pattern of endosonic files

When operated in air, the transverse oscillation of the endosonic file exhibits a series of nodes and antinodes along its length with the greatest displacement amplitude occurring at the unconstrained tip. Endosonic files of varying design, length, and thickness exhibit differences in their oscillation. Preliminary work has revealed that the endosonic file is susceptible to constraint when working within the root canal and a model system was designed to investigate this problem. The constraining influence was found to be greatest when it was applied at those antinodes nearest the tip. This effect was further enhanced if the file was angled. Furthermore, constraint applied at the nodes also influenced the file oscillation. Such results may explain in situ observations on the occasional inefficiency of the system, especially when negotiating the apical third of a curved root canal. Clinical techniques utilizing an endosonic file may require reappraisal in order to minimize such constraint.