ABSTRACT
Objective@#To analyze effect of fractured file removal from the middle third root canal on root fracture resistance using finite element analysis, which provides a theoretical basis for clinical prognosis evaluation.@*Methods@#Two finite-element models were established, the fractured file removal model (fractured file located in the middle third of root canals, followed by ultrasonic file removal and root canal preparation) and the control model (root canal preparation only), and compressive displacement dependencies on compressive force was computed and compared with experimental data for validation. The validated finite-element models were used to analyze the stress distribution differences during the initiation, propagation and completion of the crack between fractured file removal specimen and control one.@*Results@#The critical breaking force of the fractured file removal specimen was 406 N, and the finite element simulation result was 396 N. The critical breaking force of the control specimen was 502 N, and the finite element simulation result was 483 N. The position of crack initiation in the finite element simulation was basically consistent with that in the experiment. The experimental data of compressive test and the results of finite-element computation were in agreement, thus validating the finite-element model. In the process of continuous pressure, the stress distribution of the control root is relatively uniform, and the location of crack initiation and the direction of propagation have a certain unpredictability. Compared with the control root, the stress concentration on the root with fracture file removal was obvious, especially on edges, and the number of cracks are much more. Because of the thinner radicular wall, the crack propagation rate is faster too. Therefore, the overall root fracture resistant is decreased obviously.@*Conclusions@#During the fractured file removal procedure, amount of dentine removed should be minimized, and the edges and corners which caused by fractured file removal should be shaped to smooth in order to reduce the stress concentration and prevent the root from fracture.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To investigate the association between the frequency and filling rate of lateral canals and the sealing quality in the apical third roots of the permanent teeth with failed endodontic treatments, so as to explore the failure factors of root canal therapy.@*Methods@#Clinical records of the permanent teeth with failed endodontic treatments were collected from the Department of Endodontics, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology during a period of 2 years. The teeth were diagnosed as chronic apical periodontitis and then undergone endodontic microsurgery. The sealing quality of the apical root canal was observed by means of periapical radiographs. The surgical treatments were performed and the resected root apices were collected. The samples were scanned by micro-computed tomography and the 3D volume rendered images of the resected root apices were reconstructed. Moreover, the frequency and the filling rate of lateral canals in the apical third roots were calculated. The potential relationship between tooth position and the presence of lateral canals was evaluated.@*Results@#Totally 89 teeth with 89 root apices met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present study. The rate of correct-filling, underfilling and overfilling was 40% (36/89), 32% (28/89), and 28% (25/89), respectively, examined by periapical radiographs. Amongst all of the 89 samples, lateral canals were found in 44 samples. The incidence of apices with lateral canals was 49% (44/89). Furthermore, 3 out of 44 samples were fully filled with material in the lateral canals, and the rest 41 samples showed no filling materials. The filling rate of the lateral canals was 7% (3/44). However, no significant difference was detected between the tooth position and the presence of lateral canals (P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#The sealing quality of the apical third roots in permanent teeth with failed endodontic treatments was not good enough. The incidence of apices with lateral canals was high, but the filling rate of the canals was low. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between lateral canals and the failure of endodontic treatment.