Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical Failure of Different Rotary Endodontic Files: An SEM Study

Conventional endodontic instruments make the intracanalprocedures versatile with more efficiency and minimumcomplication. The development of microfractures in the I-RaCeNickel-Titanium rotary (NTR) file and ProFile NTR file wasevaluated by using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Thirty six maxillary buccal roots and thirty six mandibularmesial roots with an average canal curvature of 37° wereassigned to each group and prepared with 21mm, 0.04 taperNTR files as follows: (1) I-RaCe (2) ProFile. File sizes 0.06 to0.04 were used in a crown-down technique to a master apicalfile (MAF) size of 0.04/25. The MAF instruments wereevaluated by SEM before use, after completion of 7 canals,and after completion of 14 canals. All I-RaCe instrumentsdeveloped microfrcatures by the seven canal evaluation. TheProFile instruments showed no microfrctures at the 7-or-14canal evaluations. I-RaCe files separated at a higher rate thanProFile instruments. Under the conditions of this study, uniquefile design and electropolishing did not inhibit the developmentof microfractures in I-RaCe NTR.

The comparison of the rate of apical displacement in curved root canals using Neoniti and RaCe files by cone beam CT Scan / Comparação da taxa de desvio apical em canais radiculares curvos utilizando limas Neoniti e RaCe por meio de tomografia computadorizada cone beam (TCCB)

Objective: There is a high prevalence of root canal transportation in the teeth with the curve. Effect of root canal transportation on the success of root canal therapy of tooth is negative and there is no study about comparing RaCe and Neoniti files in root canal transportation. The aim of this study is assessment and comparing two different RaCe and Neoniti files to determine transportation error in various parts of root using CBCT assessment and comparing them with each other. Material and Methods: In this experimental study 50 extracted mandibular molar teeth selected. Teeth were divided randomly into two groups i.e. 25 teeth threated with RaCe file (first group) and 25 teeth threated with Neonitu files (second group). CBCT images were used to measurement thickness of dentine, before and after instrumentation that obtain from NNT viewer 6.1.0 software. Results: In the first group, the mean tooth transportation in 5 mm of apex was 0.15 and, in the second group, the mean tooth transportation in 5 mm of apex was 0.18 mm. There was no statistically significant difference in canal transportation between RaCe and Neoniti files in five millimeters distant from apex area (p = 0.492) and the mean transportation from 9 mm of apex were 0.14 in the second group. There was no statistically significant difference in canal transportation between two groups (p = 0.911). Conclusion: In comparison of these two rotary files, both are equally safe regarding the extent of apical transportation. (AU)

Objetivo: Existe uma alta prevalência de desvio apical em canais radiculares curvos. O efeito do desvio apical no canal radicular sobre o sucesso da terapia endodôntica é desfvorável e não há nenhum estudo comparando as limas RaCe e Neoniti em relação ao desvio apical dos canais radiculares durante o preparo. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar e comparar duas diferentes limas, RaCe e Neoniti, a fim de para determinar o erro de desvio em várias porções radiculares através de análise por TCCB e compará-los entre eles. Material e Métodos: Neste estudo experimental, 50 dentes molares mandibulares extraídos foram selecionados. Os dentes foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos, ou seja, 25 dentes preparados com as limas RaCe (primeiro grupo) e 25 dentes preparados com limas Neoniti (segundo grupo). Neste estudo para medir a espessura da dentina através do escaneamento, antes e depois da instrumentação, ao mesmo tempo, usamos imagens axiais obtidas do software NNT viewer 6.1.0. Resultados: No primeiro grupo, o desvio apical médio a 5 mm do ápice foi de 0,15 e no segundo grupo o desvio apical médio a 5 mm do ápice foi de 0,18 mm, não havendo diferença estatisticamente significante entre as limas RaCe e Neoniti a cinco milímetros da porção apical (p = 0,492) e o transporte médio a 9 mm do ápice foi de 0,14 no segundo grupo não havendo diferença estatisticamente significante no desvio apical entre os dois grupos (p = 0,911). Conclusão: Os resultados indicaram que não houve diferença significativa no desvio apical médio entre dois sistemas de limas em 3, 9, 7, 5 e 11 mm do ápice e ambos as limas foram seguras (AU)

Comparison of apical extrusion of intracanal bacteria by various glide-path establishing systems: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the amount of apically extruded bacteria during the glide-path preparation by using multi-file and single-file glide-path establishing nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty mandibular first molar teeth were used to prepare the test apparatus. They were decoronated, blocked into glass vials, sterilized in ethylene oxide gas, infected with a pure culture of Enterococcus faecalis, randomly assigned to 5 experimental groups, and then prepared using manual stainless-steel files (group KF) and glide-path establishing NiTi rotary files (group PF with PathFiles, group GF with G-Files, group PG with ProGlider, and group OG with One G). At the end of canal preparation, 0.01 mL NaCl solution was taken from the experimental vials. The suspension was plated on brain heart infusion agar and colonies of bacteria were counted, and the results were given as number of colony-forming units (CFU). RESULTS: The manual instrumentation technique tested in group KF extruded the highest number of bacteria compared to the other 4 groups (p < 0.05). The 4 groups using rotary glide-path establishing instruments extruded similar amounts of bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: All glide-path establishment instrument systems tested caused a measurable apical extrusion of bacteria. The manual glide-path preparation showed the highest number of bacteria extruded compared to the other NiTi glide-path establishing instruments.

Effect of repetitive pecking at working length for glide path preparation using G-file

OBJECTIVES: Glide path preparation is recommended to reduce torsional failure of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments and to prevent root canal transportation. This study evaluated whether the repetitive insertions of G-files to the working length maintain the apical size as well as provide sufficient lumen as a glide path for subsequent instrumentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The G-file system (Micro-Mega) composed of G1 and G2 files for glide path preparation was used with the J-shaped, simulated resin canals. After inserting a G1 file twice, a G2 file was inserted to the working length 1, 4, 7, or 10 times for four each experimental group, respectively (n = 10). Then the canals were cleaned by copious irrigation, and lubricated with a separating gel medium. Canal replicas were made using silicone impression material, and the diameter of the replicas was measured at working length (D0) and 1 mm level (D1) under a scanning electron microscope. Data was analysed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The diameter at D0 level did not show any significant difference between the 1, 2, 4, and 10 times of repetitive pecking insertions of G2 files at working length. However, 10 times of pecking motion with G2 file resulted in significantly larger canal diameter at D1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Under the limitations of this study, the repetitive insertion of a G2 file up to 10 times at working length created an adequate lumen for subsequent apical shaping with other rotary files bigger than International Organization for Standardization (ISO) size 20, without apical transportation at D0 level.

Effect of repetitive pecking at working length for glide path preparation using G-file

OBJECTIVES: Glide path preparation is recommended to reduce torsional failure of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments and to prevent root canal transportation. This study evaluated whether the repetitive insertions of G-files to the working length maintain the apical size as well as provide sufficient lumen as a glide path for subsequent instrumentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The G-file system (Micro-Mega) composed of G1 and G2 files for glide path preparation was used with the J-shaped, simulated resin canals. After inserting a G1 file twice, a G2 file was inserted to the working length 1, 4, 7, or 10 times for four each experimental group, respectively (n = 10). Then the canals were cleaned by copious irrigation, and lubricated with a separating gel medium. Canal replicas were made using silicone impression material, and the diameter of the replicas was measured at working length (D0) and 1 mm level (D1) under a scanning electron microscope. Data was analysed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The diameter at D0 level did not show any significant difference between the 1, 2, 4, and 10 times of repetitive pecking insertions of G2 files at working length. However, 10 times of pecking motion with G2 file resulted in significantly larger canal diameter at D1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Under the limitations of this study, the repetitive insertion of a G2 file up to 10 times at working length created an adequate lumen for subsequent apical shaping with other rotary files bigger than International Organization for Standardization (ISO) size 20, without apical transportation at D0 level.

Buckling resistance, bending stiffness, and torsional resistance of various instruments for canal exploration and glide path preparation

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the mechanical properties of various instruments for canal exploration and glide-path preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The buckling resistance, bending stiffness, ultimate torsional strength, and fracture angle under torsional load were compared for C+ file (CP, Dentsply Maillefer), M access K-file (MA, Dentsply Maillefer), Mani K-file (MN, Mani), and NiTiFlex K-file (NT, Dentsply Maillefer). The files of ISO size #15 and a shaft length of 25 mm were selected. For measuring buckling resistance (n = 10), the files were loaded in the axial direction of the shaft, and the maximum load was measured during the files' deflection. The files (n = 10) were fixed at 3-mm from the tip and then bent 45degrees with respect to their long axis, while the bending force was recorded by a load cell. For measuring the torsional properties, the files (n = 10) were also fixed at 3-mm, and clockwise rotations (2-rpm) were applied to the files in a straight state. The torsional load and the distortion angle were recorded until the files succumbed to the torque. RESULTS: The CP was shown to require the highest load to buckle and bend the files, and the NT showed the least. While MA and MN showed similar buckling resistances, MN showed higher bending stiffness than MA. The NT had the lowest bending stiffness and ultimate torsional strength (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The tested instruments showed different mechanical properties depending on the evaluated parameters. CP and NT files were revealed to be the stiffest and the most flexible instruments, respectively.

Effects of multiple root canal usage on the surface topography and fracture of two different Ni-Ti rotary file systems.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of multiple root canal usage on the surface topography and fracture of Twisted File (TF) and ProTaper (PT) rotary Ni-Ti file systems, using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials and Methods: Ten sets of PT and TF instruments were used to prepare the mesial canals of mandibular first molars. TF 25, 0.06 taper and PT F1 instruments were analyzed by SEM when new and thereafter every three root canal usages. This sequence was repeated for both the TF and PT groups until 12 uses. Two images of the instrument were recorded, one of the instrument tip and the other 5 mm from the tip, both at ×100 magnification. The sequential use was continued till the instrument fractured and the number of root canal usages for the file to fracture was noted. All fracture surfaces were examined under the SEM. Results: Fresh TF instruments showed no surface wear when compared to PT instruments (P < 0.05). Spiral distortion scores remained the same for both the groups till the 6 th usage (P > 0.05), while at the 9 th usage TF showed a steep increase in the spiral distortion score when compared to PT (P < 0.05). PT instruments fractured at a mean root canal usage of 17.4, while TF instruments showed a mean root canal usage of 11.8. Fractographically, all the TF instruments failed due to torsion, while all the PT instruments failed because of cyclic fatigue. Conclusion: PT instruments showed more resistance to fracture than TF instruments.

Cyclic fatigue resistance tests of Nickel-Titanium rotary files using simulated canal and weight loading conditions

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel-titanium (NiTi) files obtained in a conventional test using a simulated canal with a newly developed method that allows the application of constant fatigue load conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ProFile and K3 files of #25/.06, #30/.06, and #40/.04 were selected. Two types of testing devices were built to test their fatigue performance. The first (conventional) device prescribed curvature inside a simulated canal (C-test), the second new device exerted a constant load (L-test) whilst allowing any resulting curvature. Ten new instruments of each size and brand were tested with each device. The files were rotated until fracture and the number of cycles to failure (NCF) was determined. The NCF were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Duncan's post-hoc test for each method. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was computed to examine any association between methods. RESULTS: Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho = -0.905) showed a significant negative correlation between methods. Groups with significant difference after the L-test divided into 4 clusters, whilst the C-test gave just 2 clusters. From the L-test, considering the negative correlation of NCF, K3 gave a significantly lower fatigue resistance than ProFile as in the C-test. K3 #30/.06 showed a lower fatigue resistance than K3 #25/.06, which was not found by the C-test. Variation in fatigue test methodology resulted in different cyclic fatigue resistance rankings for various NiTi files. CONCLUSIONS: The new methodology standardized the load during fatigue testing, allowing determination fatigue behavior under constant load conditions.

A survey of experience-based preference of Nickel-Titanium rotary files and incidence of fracture among general dentists

OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to investigate the preference and usage technique of NiTi rotary instruments and to retrieve data on the frequency of re-use and the estimated incidence of file separation in the clinical practice among general dentists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was disseminated via e-mail and on-site to 673 general dentists. The correlation between the operator's experience or preferred technique and frequency of re-use or incidence of file fracture was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 348 dentists (51.7%) responded. The most frequently used NiTi instruments was ProFile (39.8%) followed by ProTaper. The most preferred preparation technique was crown-down (44.6%). 54.3% of the respondents re-used NiTi files more than 10 times. There was a significant correlation between experience with NiTi files and the number of reuses (p = 0.0025). 54.6% of the respondents estimated experiencing file separation less than 5 times per year. The frequency of separation was significantly correlated with the instrumentation technique (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: A large number of general dentists in Korea prefer to re-use NiTi rotary files. As their experience with NiTi files increased, the number of re-uses increased, while the frequency of breakage decreased. Operators who adopt the hybrid technique showed less tendency of separation even with the increased number of re-use.

Mechanical and geometric features of endodontic instruments and its clinical effect / 대한치과보존학회지

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this paper is to discuss the mechanical and geometric features of Nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files and its clinical effects. NiTi rotary files have been introduced to the markets with their own geometries and claims that they have better ability for the root canal shaping than their competitors. The contents of this paper include the (possible) interrelationship between the geometries of NiTi file (eg. tip, taper, helical angle, etc) and clinical performance of the files as follows; - Fracture modes of NiTi rotary files - Non-cutting guiding tip and glide path - Taper and clinical effects - Cross-sectional area and clinical effects - Heat treatments and surface characteristics - Screw-in effect and preservation of root dentin integrity - Designs for reducing screw-in effect CONCLUSIONS: Based on the reviewed contents, clinicians may have an advice to use various brands of NiTi rotary instruments regarding their advantages which would fit for clinical situation.

Influence of root canal curvature on the screw-in effect of nickel-titanium rotary files in simulated resin root canal / 대한치과보존학회지

OBJECTIVES: Nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary instruments have some unexpected disadvantages including the tendency to screw-in to the canal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of root canal curvatures on the screw-in effect of Ni-Ti rotary files. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 simulated root canals in clear resin blocks were used in the study. Canals with curvature of 0, 10, 20 and 30 degrees were instrumented with ProTaper instruments SX, S1, S2 and a ProFile of #25/0.06 to 1.0-2.0 mm beyond the initial point of root curvature. The screw-in force was measured with a specially designed device while canal was instrumented with a ProFile of #30/0.06 at a constant speed of 300 rpm. The data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Scheffe multiple range test for post-hoc test. RESULTS: Larger degree of canal curvature generated significantly lesser screw-in forces in all groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: More attention needs to be paid when using rotary instruments in canals with less curvature than canals with more curvatures to prevent or reduce any accidental overinstrumentation.

Influence of taper on the screw-in effect of nickel-titanium rotary files in simulated resin root canal / 대한치과보존학회지

OBJECTIVES: The introduction of nickel-titanium alloy endodontic instruments has greatly simplified shaping the root canal systems. However, these new instruments have several unexpected disadvantages. One of these is tendency to screw into the canal. In this study, the influence of taper on the screw-in effect of the Ni-Ti rotary instrument were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 simulated root canals with an S-shaped curvature in clear resin blocks were divided into two groups. ProFile .02, .04, .06 (Dentsply-Maillefer) and GT rotary files .08, .10, .12 (Dentsply) were used in Profile group, and K3 .04, .06, .08, .10, and .12 (SybronEndo, Glendora) were used in K3 group. Files were used with a single pecking motion at a constant speed of 300 rpm. A special device was made to measure the force of screw-in effect. A dynamometer of the device recorded the screw-in force during simulated canal preparation and the recorded data was stored in computer with designed software. The data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple range test for post-hoc test. p value of less than 0.05 was regarded significant. RESULTS: The more tapered instruments generated more screw-in forces in Profile group (p < 0.05). In K3 group, 0.08, 0.10. and 0.12 tapered instruments showed more screw-in force than 0.04 tapered one, and 0.08 and 0.12 tapered instruments showed more screw-in force than 0.06 tapered one (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The more tapered instruments seems to produce more screw-in force. To avoid this screw-in force during instrumentation, more attention may be needed when using more tapered instruments.

A comparison of the shaping ability of four rotary nickel-titanium files in simulated root canals / 대한치과보존학회지

The purpose of this study was to compare the root canal shaping ability of 4 rotary NiTi instruments in simulated root canals. For the preparation of thirty two curved root canals, Mtwo instruments using "single length"technique, and Profile, ProTaper Universal, and K3 using crown-down technique (N = 8) were used. All canal samples were prepared by reaching an apical canal size of #30. Pre- and post-instrumentation digital images were recorded and an assessment of canal shape was determined using a computer image analysis program SigmaScan Pro (Systat Software Inc., San Jose, CA, USA). The changes of the dimension of inner walls of canals, (2) the changes of the dimension of outer walls of canals, and (3) the centering ratio were measured at 7 measuring points, and then data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's test. The results were as below; 1. The root canal shaping ability of Profile was significantly faster than that of other rotary NiTi instruments (p < 0.05). 2. The deformation and fracture of all instruments used for this study were not experienced. 3. In the degree of changes of the dimension of inner walls of canals, Profile demonstrated the lowest changes of the dimension of inner walls of canals except at the measuring points of the 1 and 2 mm (p < 0.05). However, the ProTaper Universal showed the highest changes of the dimension of inner walls of canals at all measuring points (p < 0.05). 4. In the degree of changes of the dimension of outer walls of canals, Mtwo demonstrated the lowest changse of the dimension of outer walls of canals except at the measuring point of the 1 mm (p < 0.05). However, Profile exhibited the highest changes of the dimension of outer walls of canals at the measuring points of 3 and 4 mm and ProTaper Universal and K3 showed the largest changes of the dimension of outer walls of canals at the measuring points of 1, 2, 6, and 7 mm (p < 0.05). 5. In degree of centering ratio, Profile demonstrated the least centering ratio comparing with the centering ratio shown by other NiTi instruments at the measuring points of 1, 4, 5, and 6 mm. Results suggest that in the coronal part of canal preparation, active cutting files such as ProTaper Universal may efficiently flare the canal orifice and form a better taper, and in the apical part of the canal, files which have a better centering ability such as Profile may maintain the original canal curvature and reduce the shaping time.

Comparison of screw-in effect for several nickel-titanium rotary instruments in simulated resin root canal / 대한치과보존학회지

Screw-in effect is one of the unintended phenomena that occurs during the root canal preparation with nickel-titanium rotary files. The aim of this study was to compare the screw-in effect among various nickel-titanium rotary file systems. Six different nickel-titanium rotary instruments (ISO 20/.06 taper) were used: K3(TM) (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA, USA), Mtwo (VDW GmbH, Munchen, Germany), NRT with safe-tip and with active tip (Mani Inc., Shioya-gun, Japan), ProFile(R) (Dentsply-Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and ProTaper(R) (Dentsply-Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). For ProTaper(R), S2 was selected because it has size 20. Root canal instrumentations were done in sixty simulated single-curved resin root canals with a rotational speed of 300 rpm and single pecking motion. A special device was designed to measure the force of screw-in effect. A dynamometer of the device recorded the screw-in force during simulated canal preparation and the recorded data was stored in a computer with designed software (LCV-USE-VS, Lorenz Messtechnik GmbH, Alfdorf, Germany). The data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple range test for post-hoc test. P value of less than 0.05 was regarded significant. ProTaper(R) produced significantly more screw-in effects than any other instruments in the study (p 0.05), and between NRT with active tip and NRT with safe one neither (p > 0.05). From the result of the present study, it was concluded, therefore, that there seems significant differences of screw-in effect among the tested nickel-titanium rotary instruments. The radial lands and rake angle of nickel-titanium rotary instrument might be the cause of the difference.

A comparative study of the canal configuration after shaping by protaper rotary and hand files in resin simulated canals / 대한치과보존학회지

The purpose of this study was to compare the canal configuration after shaping by ProTaper rotary files and ProTaper hand files in resin simulated canals. Forty resin simulated canals with a curvature of J-shape and S-shape were divided into four groups by 10 blocks each. Simulated root canals in resin block were prepared by ProTaper rotary files and ProTaper hand files using a crown-down pressureless technique. All simulated canals were prepared up to size #25 file at end-point of preparation. Pre- and post-instrumentation images were recorded with color scanner. Assessment of canal shape was completed with an image analysis program. Measurements were made at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 mm from the apex. At each level, outer canal width, inner canal width, total canal width, and amount of transportation from original axis were recorded. Instrumentation time was recorded. The data were analyzed statistically using independent t-test. The result was that ProTaper hand files cause significantly less canal transportation from original axis of canal body and maintain original canal configuration better than ProTaper rotary files, however ProTaper hand files take more shaping time.

Shaping ability of nickel-titaniumrotary files / 대한치과보존학회지

This study compared the shaping ability of nickel-titanium rotary files with different rake angle and radial land. The nickel-titanium files used in this study were Profile(Dentsply, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Hero 642(Micromega, Besancon, France), and K3(SybronEndo, Glendora, Ca, USA) file. Resin blocks substituted for root canals. 36 resin blocks were divided into 3 groups with 12 canals each. The time for canal preparation was recorded. The images of pre- and postoperative resin canal were scanned and those were superimposed. Amounts of canal deviation, total canal widths, inner canal widths, and outer canal widths were measured at apical 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7mm levels. The amount of canal deviation was the smallest in Profile group, and the time for canal preparation was the shortest in Hero 642 group. K3 group resulted in competent characteristics in both measurements. Positive rake angle seemed to result in fast shaping of root canal and radial land guide the instrument in center of the canals and around curvatures. Radial land also tended to reduce the sense of screwing into the root canal. The proper selection of the nickel-titanium file based on the knowledge about file design is needed for the safer, simpler and faster root canal therapy.

Evaluation of canal preparation with Ni-Ti rotary files by micro computed tomography / 대한치과보존학회지

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of preparation with GT files and profiles .04 in shaping of root canals and reconstruct the three-dimensional root canal system using micro computed tomography. 40 canals of the extracted human mandibular molars were used, and randomly distributed into two experimental groups. In group 1, canals were prepared by GT files. In group 2, Profiles .04. were used. Apical preparation size was #30. For each tooth pre and post operative cross-sectional images were obtained by the micro CT at 50 micron intervals. Pre and post operative cross-sectional images of 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8mm from the apex were compared. For each section, canal area and centering ratio were determined. For each tooth pre- and post-operative root canal volume from the furcation to the apex of the roots was calculated by three-dimensional image software. Following results were obtained: 1. At 8mm from the apex, area of dentin removed by GT rotary file was significantly larger than that by Profile .04. And at the other levels there was not a significant difference. 2. There was a trend for GT rotary file to remain more centered in the canals than Profile .04 at all levels. But at 3mm level, there was a statistically significant difference. 3. In root canal volume increments after instrumentation, there was no significant difference between two groups.