Comparative study of hand-held nickel-titanium dental instruments based on the shape of the prepared root canal

The aim of this study was to compare the shaping characteristics of two hand instruments: the NiTi K-files and the NiTi S-files. A total of 60 extracted human roots were embedded in resin blocks. The roots were divided into three groups according to their shape: straight, apically curved and entirely curved. Each of the three groups was divided into two subgroups for the NiTi K-file and the NiTi S-file instrumentation. The files were used with a step-back technique and enlarged so that the master apical file was size 30, and the canals were stepped back to size 40. The performance of the files was assessed by the superimposition of projected radiographs taken in bucco-lingual and mesio-distal views before and after preparation. The results were analyzed statistically using of analysis of covariance and Duncan's multiple range test. Although canal preparation using NiTi K-files was quicker, there were no statistically significant differences between file types. The NiTi S-file removed significantly more dentine at the most coronal level (p < 0.05). There were minor differences between instruments at the apical level. Only in the proximal view of apically curved canals prepared with NiTi S-files was significantly more dentine removed from the convex side of the wall (p < 0.05). At the middle level the NiTi S-files removed more dentine from the concave wall in apically curved canals. Under the conditions of this study, preparation with NiTi K-files produced more appropriate shapes in roots with apically curved canals than NiTi S-files.     

A radiographic comparison of two root canal instrumentation techniques.

The ability of two instrumentation techniques to negotiate and enlarge small curved canals was com-compared radiographically. Fifty canals in extracted human molar teeth were instrumented by the progressive enlargement (PE) technique, a form of step-back preparation using standard K files, or by the balanced force (BF) technique using K files whose tips had been specially modified. By using drawings and projected radiographic images of the files, the position of the largest file used in the apical preparation, #30 or #35 for the PE technique and #45 for the BF technique, was compared with the position of a small file placed in the canal before instrumentation. The PE and BF techniques were equally capable of instrumenting small curved canals to their respective largest apical preparation sizes. However, at sizes equivalent to the largest apical preparation sizes used in the PE technique, the BF technique produced significantly less deviation from the center of the original canal.     

Preparation of the apical part of the root canal by the Lightspeed and step-back techniques

This study measured in vitro the displacement of natural canal centres in 18 human teeth before and after shaping by the step-back or Lightspeed techniques. Experimental roots ( n = 9 per group), embedded in clear plastic, were cross-sectioned using a 0.1-mm-thick band saw at distances 1.25 mm, 3.25 mm and 5.25 mm from the apices. A stereo microscope was used to take 35 mm slides of the cut surfaces of the sectioned roots and canals. The slides of the uninstrumented canals were scanned into a computer and saved. Each sectioned root was then reassembled and the canals shaped by the step-back or Lightspeed technique. File size 40 and instrument size 50 were selected as the master apical file and master apical rotary for the step-back and Lightspeed groups, respectively. The 18 prepared canals were photographed, and the 35 mm slides scanned and computer stored as previously. This allowed the positions of the pre- and postinstrumented roots to be electronically superimposed for subsequent analyses. Displacements of the root canal centres before and after preparation were assessed in relation to the cross-sectional diameter of the files or instruments used. In addition, increases in cross-sectional area of the root canals after preparation were evaluated in relation to the cross-sectional area of the files or instruments used. Engine-driven nickel-titanium Lightspeed instruments caused significantly less ( P < 0.001) displacement of the canal centres, so roots in the Lightspeed group remained better centred than those in the step-back group. The mean cross-sectional area after preparation in the Lightspeed group was significantly less ( P < 0.001) than that recorded in the step-back group. Clinically, this implies less apical transportation and less dentine destruction with the Lightspeed technique than with the step-back technique.     

超声法取根管内折断的镍钛和不锈钢根管锉的效果比较

目的比较根管内折断的镍钛和不锈钢根管锉在超声取出率和根管壁切削量上的差异。方法选取离体人下颌切牙64颗,随机分为镍钛锉组和不锈钢锉组,每组32颗牙,分别将机用ProTaper镍钛根管锉和不锈钢K锉折断于根管内,超声法取折断根管锉,计算取出率,并使用图像分析软件分析术前、术后数字x线片的根管面积变化。结果不锈钢锉取出率大于镍钛锉,根管壁切削量也大于镍钛锉,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。折断根管锉断端暴露长度小于1．5mm时81％镍钛锉可取出,不锈钢锉约为47％,差别有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论超声法可有效取出根管内镍钛和不锈钢根管锉。取不锈钢锉需暴露的断端长度大于镍钛锉;2种根管锉采用超声法取出时根管壁切削量无显著差异。     

Comparison of procedural errors resulting during root canal preparations completed by senior dental students in patients using an '8-step method' versus 'serial step-back technique'

OBJECTIVE: To compare procedural errors that occur in patients during root canal preparation by senior dental students using a new '8-step method' versus the traditional 'serial step-back technique.' STUDY DESIGN: Senior dental students treated 221 root canals of maxillary and mandibular teeth. Instrumentation included coronal flaring with Gates-Glidden reamers and standardized stainless steel K-files in all teeth. A new 8-step method was used to prepare 67 canals using standardized stainless steel hand instruments (8-step SS) and 69 canals using the rotary Nickel Titanium instruments (8-step NiTi). The traditional serial step-back technique (step-back) was used for 85 root canals. In the apical third, reaming or filing motions were used up to sizes 25 and only reaming motion in sizes larger than 25 with the new 8-step method. A filing motion was used in the step-back for all sizes. Root canals of all groups were obturated with gutta-percha points and AH26 using a lateral condensation technique. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were taken of each tooth. Procedural errors were recorded and statistically analyzed using a binomic test for comparison of proportion. RESULTS: Procedural errors detected consisted of 2 canals with transportation (3%) with the 8-step SS, and 3 canals (4%) with transportation with 8-step NiTi. There were no canal obstructions or instrument separations. With the step-back, 20 canals were transported (24%), 7 canals had obstructions (8%), and in 1 canal instrument was separated (1%). CONCLUSIONS: The new 8-step method resulted in fewer procedural errors than the traditional serial step-back technique when senior students prepared root canals in patients either by hand with standardized K-files or by rotary NiTi instrumentation.     

Histologic evaluation of three endodontic instrument/preparation techniques

Abstract 33 curved canals were prepared to quantify both the increase in canal area and predentin removal in the apical region. Compared were three different file designs/instrumentation techniques, that is “stepback” with K-flex file, “balanced force” with Flex-R file, and the Canal Master system. Following canal preparation and histological processing, cross-sections at 1 and 3 mm levels were examined using the Bioquant image analysis system. Results showed that, at the 3 mm leve, the mean increase in canal area and predentin removal showed no statistically significant difference (p> 0.05) between the techniques. At 1 mm. the step-back technique (with K-flex files) resulted in a significant increase in canal area and greater predentin removal than did the “balanced forces” (with Flex-R files) or the Canal Master system. However, although there were statistical differences, the actual differences were small; these may not translate to clinically significant differences in the 3 techniques.     

An in vitro evaluation of the accuracy of Dentaport ZX apex locator in enlarged root canals

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of root canal irrigants on the accuracy of Dentaport ZX electronic apex locator (EAL) in enlarged root canals. Our previous study revealed that as the diameter of the root canal increased, the electronically measured length with small size files became shorter in the presence of blood. It is not known whether different canal irrigants would interfere with the reading accuracy of an EAL in enlarged root canals. METHODS: A total of 45 extracted single-rooted human teeth were used. In Stage 1, canals were instrumented using #10-40 K-files with a #40 K-file as the master apical file (MAF). The teeth were randomly divided into five groups and mounted in an experimental apparatus. The following irrigants were used during electronic canal measurements: Group A = 0.5% NaOCl; Group B = 2.5% NaOCl; Group C = 15% EDTA; Group D = 0.8% chlorhexidine (CHX); and Group E = RC Prep. In Stage 2, the canals were enlarged using a #60 K-file as the MAF. In Stages 1 and 2, the apical portion of the canals was instrumented using the step-back sequence (up to a #80 K-file). In Stage 3, the canals were enlarged again using a #80 K-file as the MAF. In each stage, the canal length was measured with a Dentaport ZX using #10 and #40, #10 and #60, and #10 and #80 K-files for Stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Data were analysed by two-way ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD test. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significant differences among all groups (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between Group A and B at each stage and between Group D and E at Stage 2. A statistical significant difference was observed between #10 K-file and other files (#40, #60 and #80) at each stage (p < 0.01). In Groups A and B, there was no significant difference between #10 and #40 K-files (Stage 1) and between #10 and #60 K-files (Stage 2). CONCLUSION: The Dentaport ZX was accurate and not adversely affected by the presence of 0.5% or 2.5% NaOCl and EDTA in the enlarged canals, and the measured lengths obtained with small and large size files were comparable. However, it was accurate in the presence of CHX and RC Prep only when large size files were used, and the length measured with small size files was greater than the actual length.     

三种方法预备下颌第二磨牙C形根管成形效果的比较

目的 评价3种常用根管预备方法对C形根管的成形效果,为临床治疗提供参考.方法 对临床拔除的具有C形根管的下颌第二恒磨牙60颗,应用改良Bramante技术,于距根尖2mm、5 mm和8mm处将牙根横断.选择手用不锈钢K锉逐步后退技术(Step-Back组)、逐步深入技术(Step-Down组)和机用旋转镍钛锉ProTaperTM系列冠向下预备技术(Crown-Down组)预备不同类型的C形根管,比较预备前后根管横截面形态的数码图像,对3种不同方法的成形效果进行评价.结果 3种方法预备离体下颌第二磨牙C形根管后均有遗漏.不锈钢K锉逐步后退技术和不锈钢K锉逐步深入技术分别在根冠部[遗漏面积百分比分别为(0.177±0.071)%、(0.068±0.074)%]和根尖部[遗漏面积百分比分别为(0.236±0.167)%、(0.295±0.171)%]遗漏较少(P＜0.05).CⅠ、CⅡ型遗漏出现在近远中多于颊舌侧,将其分为独立的2～3个根管预备可减少遗漏.不同方法预备根尖区的遗漏均显著高于根管中上部(P＜0.05).结论 早期开敞根管上段,将C形根管分为2～3个独立的根管进行预备,可以增进根管预备的成形效果.     

新型机动镍钛器械预备根管的疗效评价

目的:探讨新型机动镍钛器械Hero642预备根管的临床疗效。方法:选取患牙髓炎或根尖周炎的恒磨牙60例(60颗患牙),试验组用机动镍钛器械Hero642及根向预备技术预备根管,对照组用K锉及逐步后退技术预备根管,两组均采用侧向加压充填技术充填根管。根据治疗前后的X线片评价根管预备和充填效果,t检验比较两组根管弯曲度和操作时间,χ2检验比较根管内并发症和术后疼痛的发生率。结果:试验组能维持根管的原走向,无根尖阻塞、台阶、根管偏移及侧壁穿孔等并发症发生,对照组并发症的发生显著多于试验组(P<0.005);试验组操作时间短,术后疼痛发生少。结论:机动镍钛器械Hero642预备根管快速、有效,成形效果好,值得临床推广应用。     

A comparison of Flex-R files and K-type files for enlargement of severely curved molar root canals

A double exposure radiographic technique is introduced and used to evaluate the magnitude of apical canal transportation that occurs during preparation procedures. The balanced force technique and a step-back method for cleaning and shaping root canals were evaluated in mesiobuccal root canals from 80 extracted human molar teeth with curvatures ranging from 30 to 73 degrees. Pre- and posttreatment file positions were examined from clinical and proximal radiographic views by computer digitization. Statistical analysis indicated significantly less apical transportation with the use of the balanced force technique when compared with a step-back technique in canals exhibiting both more and less than 45 degrees of curvature.     

ProFile ProTaper镍钛根管器械与不锈钢K锉预备弯曲根管的比较研究

目的：比较ProFile镍钛机用根管器械，ProTaper镍钛手用根管器械和不锈钢K锉用于弯曲根管预备时的根管拉直和根尖偏移，为ProFile和ProTaper的临床应用提供实验依据。方法：将正畸前减数拔除的30个下颌第一前磨牙随机分为3组，分别用不锈钢K锉、ProTaper镍钛手用根管器械、ProFile镍钛机用根管器械做根管预备，分析评价其根管拉直和根尖偏移情况。结果：不锈钢K锉组的根管拉直、根尖偏移显著大于ProTaper和ProFile预备组。结论：ProFile和ProTaper镍钛根管预备器械与传统的不锈钢器械相比更适合弯曲根管的根管预备。     

冠向下法与步退法预备技术在一次性根管治疗中的疗效比较

目的 比较冠向下法与步退法根管预备在一次性根管治疗中的临床疗效。方法 选取患急、慢性牙髓炎或根尖周炎的患牙220个,随机分为实验组和对照组,实验组采用ProTaper机用镍钛器械及冠向下技术进行根管预备;对照组采用手用不锈钢K型锉和步退技术进行根管预备。两组均采用侧向加压法充填根管,比较治疗前后的X线片,评价根管预备和充填效果,术后1周复诊,评价疼痛反应,随访1年,评价治疗效果。结果 实验组根管充填后的效果优于对照组,实验组根管治疗后短期并发症的发生率明显少于对照组,而且实验组的远期治疗成功率也显著高于对照组。结论 冠向下法比步退法预备根管成型、根充效果较好,术后并发症较少,远期疗效较好。     

A comparison of the shaping characteristics of two nickel-titanium endodontic hand instruments

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the shaping characteristics of Ni-Ti K-files and Ni-Ti S-files manipulated by hand. METHODOLOGY: A total of 60 extracted human roots were embedded in resin blocks. The embedded roots were divided into three groups: (i) roots with straight; (ii) apically curved; and (iii) continuously curved canals. Each of the three groups was randomly divided into two subgroups; one subgroup in each group was prepared with Ni-Ti K-files and the other with Ni-Ti S-files. The files were used with a step-back technique and enlarged so that the master apical file was size 30, and the canals were stepped back to size 40. The performance of the files was assessed by the superimposition of projected radiographs taken in bucco-lingual and mesio-distal directions before and after the preparation. The results were analysed statistically using analysis of covariance and Duncan's multiple range test. RESULTS: Although canal preparation using Ni-Ti K-files was quicker, there were no statistically significant differences between file types. The Ni-Ti S-file removed significantly more material at the most coronal level (P < 0.05). There were minor differences between instruments at the apical level. Only in the proximal view of apically curved canals prepared with Ni-Ti S-files was significantly more dentine removed from the outer aspect of the curvature (P < 0.05). At the middle level (wide danger zone) the Ni-Ti S-files removed more dentine from the inner aspect of the curvature in those roots with apically curved canals. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, preparation with Ni-Ti K-files produced more appropriate shapes in roots with apically curved canals than Ni-Ti S-files.     

Hero Shaper镍钛机用器械去除根管旧充填物能力的体外研究

目的　研究Hero Shaper 镍钛机用根管预备器械去除根管旧充填物的能力。方法　选取临床拔除的48 个单根管前牙, 随机分为2组, 用改良式逐步后退法进行根管预备, 牙胶尖与碧兰糊剂侧方加压充填根管。放置30 d后用不同的方法去除根管旧充填物:A组为H型锉+氯仿组;B组为Hero Shaper+氯仿组;记录操作时间。将牙根纵劈,立体显微镜下观察根管冠1/3 ,中1/3 ,根1/3的残留物情况。结果　在根管的3部分,2种方法清理后的残留物量均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。B组操作时间明显少于A组,具有统计学差异(P<0 .01)。结论　根管再治疗中,使用Hero Shaper镍钛机用根管预备器械可以减少操作时间,获得和H锉相似的清理效果。     

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.     

手用ProTaper对弯曲根管成形能力评价的研究

目的评价手用ProTaper对弯曲根管的成形能力。方法将16个弯曲人工根管随机分为2组,实验组(PT组)使用手用ProTaper按冠根向深入法预备根管,对照组(SS组)用不锈钢K锉按逐步后退法预备根管;根管预备过程中对人工根管进行数码照相,图像分析软件Image-ProPlus对根管的形态与位置变化进行测量、分析。结果PT组预备完毕时根管弯曲角度均值从预备前的36°减小到26°,弯曲半径均值未见增大,根管壁光滑、流畅,未见根管不良形态形成;SS组预备完毕根管弯曲角度均值减小到22°,弯曲半径均值从6mm增大至11mm,根管壁切削不均衡,出现了根管偏移、根尖孔拉开、根管台阶等不良形态。结论手用ProTaper对弯曲根管成形能力优于不锈钢K锉。     

A reconstructed computerized tomographic comparison of Ni-Ti rotary GT files versus traditional instruments in canals shaped by novice operators

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of preparation with conventional stainless steel Flexofiles and Gates Glidden burs versus nickel-titanium GT rotary files in the shaping of mesial root canals of extracted mandibular molars. METHODOLOGY: A total of 54 canals from 27 mesial roots of mandibular molar teeth were prepared using one of two methods by novice dental students. One canal in each root was prepared by a crown-down approach. utilizing stainless steel Flexofiles and Gates Glidden burs. The other canal was prepared using nickel-titanium GT rotary files in a crown-down fashion as recommended by the manufacturer. Preoperative CT scans of each root were recorded and 50 canal specimens were available for postoperative comparisons. Following canal shaping, postoperative scans were superimposed on the original images. Changes in canal area, canal transportation and thickness of remaining root structure at strategic levels of the root were analyzed. The time taken for each method was also noted. RESULTS: At the coronal and mid-root coronal one-third sections, the rotary GT files produced a significantly smaller postoperative canal area (P < 0.05). In the mid-root sections there was significantly less transportation of the root canal toward the furcation, and less thinning of the root structure with GT files compared to the stainless steel files (P < 0.05). Overall, there was greater conservation of structure coronally and more adequate shape in the mid-root level. The GT rotary technique was significantly faster than the stainless steel hand-held file technique (P < 0.0001). Two GT instruments fractured during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, novice dental students were able to prepare curved root canals with Ni-Ti GT rotary files with less transportation and greater conservation of tooth structure, compared to canals prepared with hand instruments. The rotary technique was significantly faster.     

Histologic evaluation of three endodontic instrument/preparation techniques.

33 curved canals were prepared to quantify both the increase in canal area and predentin removal in the apical region. Compared were three different file designs/instrumentation techniques, that is "stepback" with K-flex file, "balanced force" with Flex-R file, and the Canal Master system. Following canal preparation and histological processing, cross-sections at 1 and 3 mm levels were examined using the Bioquant image analysis system. Results showed that, at the 3 mm leve, the mean increase in canal area and predentin removal showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between the techniques. At 1 mm, the step-back technique (with K-flex files) resulted in a significant increase in canal area and greater predentin removal than did the "balanced forces" (with Flex-R files) or the Canal Master system. However, although there were statistical differences, the actual differences were small; these may not translate to clinically significant differences in the 3 techniques.     

ProTaper与不锈钢K锉预备弯曲根管的对比研究

目的：对比ProTaper镍钛手用根管器械和不锈钢K锉进行弯曲根管预备时的根尖偏移和根充后密度。方法：将正畸减数拔除的下颌第一前磨牙20个随机分为2组,每组10个。分别用不锈钢K锉、ProTaper镍钛手用根管器械做根管预备,对比分析并评价根尖偏移和根充后密度情况。结果：两组根管偏移发生率和根充密度存在显著性差异。结论：ProTaper镍钛根管预备器械与不锈钢器械相比更适合弯曲根管的预备。     

The use of computed tomography when comparing nickel-titanium and stainless steel files during preparation of simulated curved canals

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare canal preparations completed with Hedstrom and K-files of ISO size 15 - 40, made of nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) and stainless steel (SS). METHODOLOGY: Eighty simulated canals with 200 and 30 degrees C curvatures were prepared using the step-back technique and quarter turn/pull instrument manipulation. Middle and apical level canal sections were taken using computed tomography. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between any of the file types at either level with respect to canal curvature (20 degrees or 30 degrees). At the middle level, the stainless steel files caused more enlargement toward the inner part, compared to nickel-titanium files. At the apical level, nickel-titanium canal files caused more enlargement toward the inner part, whereas more outward enlargement was caused by stainless steel instruments. No significant difference could be observed at the middle level (P > 0.05) related to the enlargement toward the outer side of the canal curvature. Transportation at both levels was significantly less (P < 0.001) for the Ni-Ti files than the SS ones. Centring ratios of the file types at the middle level were low, but not significantly different (P > 0.05), whereas at the apical level the centring ratios were significantly higher for the Ni-Ti files (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ni-Ti instruments produced preparations with adequate enlargement, less transportation, and a better centring ratio.