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.