Comparative Evaluation of Canal Centering Ability between Protaper Rotary and Self Adjusting File in Oval Shaped Canals – A Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Analysis

Background: Self Adjusting Files have been introduced to overcome the disadvantage of protaper rotary files, especially for oval root canal centering. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the canal centering ability between rotary protaper and self adjusting file in oval shaped canals using cone beam computed tomography. Methods:The study was carried out on 20 single rooted mandibular premolars. To compare the canal centering ability produced by different techniques, pre-instrumentation, post-instrumentation, cross section images of specimen at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the apex were obtained from the 3D CBCT images of each individual group. The images captured digitally using Image Tools Software were compared. Results: Inter group comparison of mean ratio of both the groups at 3, 6 and 9 mm after preparation of canal showed statistically significant difference between both the groups (p<0.05). Intra group comparison of mean ratio of both the groups at 3, 6 and 9 mm after preparation of canal showed that the difference between both the groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05).Conclusion: The canal centering ability of self adjusting file was efficient than protaper rotary files.

Mechanical Preparation Showed Superior Shaping Ability than Manual Technique in Primary Molars - A Micro-Computed Tomography Study

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate canal preparation in primary molars with hand files, ProTaper Next and Self-Adjusting File (SAF) by 2D and 3D micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. Canals of 24 primary molars were prepared with hand files (HF), ProTaper Next (PTN) and SAF (n=8/group). The teeth were scanned before and after root canal preparation and the pre- and postoperative micro-CT images were reconstructed. Changes in 2D (area, perimeter, roundness, minor and major diameter) and 3D [volume, surface area, structure model index (SMI)] morphological parameters, as well as canal transportation and lateral perforations were evaluated (Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA; a=0.05). SAF presented smaller changes in minor diameter, volume and surface area compared with HF and PTN (p<0.05). PTN presented more circular canals after preparation. 3D analysis revealed greater transportation in HF. PTN and SAF presented more centered canal preparation, especially in curved areas. SAF and HF presented, respectively, the lowest (0.05±0.02 and 0.07±0.04) and highest (0.14±0.11 and 0.29±0.17) apical transportation. There were fewer lateral perforations in SAF (4.2%) and PTN (7.7%) than in HF (47.8%) (p<0.05). In primary molars, mechanical preparation showed better shaping ability than hand files, promoting more centered preparations and lower occurrence of lateral perforations and canal transportation. Clinical Relevance: Manual instrumentation is still reported as the main choice in the primary teeth preparation; however, studies have shown limitations in its use. The morphological characteristics of primary teeth and the limited knowledge of shaping procedures in these teeth using mechanical preparation become a challenge for clinical practice and might impair the predictability of endodontic treatment.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o preparo do canal radicular em molares decíduos com sistema manual e mecanizado [ProTaper Next e Self-Adjusting File (SAF)], por meio de parâmetros morfológicos bi (2D) e tridimensionais (3D) em microtomografia computadorizada (micro-CT). Canais radiculares de 24 molares decíduos foram preparados com limas manuais (M), ProTaper Next (PTN) e SAF (n=8/grupo). Os dentes foram escaneados antes e após o preparo do canal radicular e as imagens de micro-CT pré e pós-operatória foram reconstruídas. As mudanças nos parâmetros morfológicos 2D (área, perímetro, circularidade, menor e maior diâmetro) e 3D [volume, área de superfície, índice de estrutura do modelo (SMI)], bem como o transporte do canal radicular e a presença de perfurações laterais foram avaliadas (Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA; a=0.05). SAF apresentou menores mudanças no diâmetro menor, volume e área de superfície quando comparado com M e PTN (p<0.05). PTN mostrou canais mais circulares após o preparo. A análise 3D revelou maior transporte para o grupo M. PTN e SAF mostraram maior centralização do preparo do canal radicular, especialmente em áreas de curvatura. SAF e M apresentaram, respectivamente, o menor (0,05±0,02 e 0,07±0,04) e o maior (0,14±0,11 e 0,29±0,17) transporte apical. Foi possível observar menor porcentagem de perfurações laterais para os grupos SAF (4,2%) e PTN (7,7%) comparados ao grupo M (47,8%) (p<0.05). Conclui-se que o preparo mecanizado dos canais radiculares em molares decíduos, apresentou melhor capacidade de modelagem do que as limas manuais, promovendo preparos mais centralizados e menor ocorrência de perfurações laterais e transporte do canal.

Meant to make a difference, the clinical experience of minimally invasive endodontics with the self-adjusting file system in India.

The vital steps in any endodontic treatment are thorough mechanical shaping and chemical cleaning followed by obtaining a fluid tight impervious seal by an inert obturating material. For the past two decades, introduction and use of rotary nickel‑titanium (Ni‑Ti) files have changed our concepts of endodontic treatment from conventional to contemporary. They have reported good success rates, but still have many drawbacks. The Self‑Adjusting File (SAF) introduces a new era in endodontics by performing the vital steps of shaping and cleaning simultaneously. The SAF is a hollow file in design that adapts itself three‑dimensionally to the root canal and is a single file system, made up of Ni‑Ti lattice. The case series presented in the paper report the clinical experience, while treating primary endodontic cases with the SAF system in India.

SAF (self adjusting file) um novo conceito na instrumentação dos canais radiculares / SAF (self adjusting file) a new concept in root canal preparation

A instrumentação dos canais radiculares tem sofrido uma série de inovações tanto quanto aos instrumentos como às técnicas. Com o advento dos instrumentos de níquel-titânio o mercado tem recebido uma grande variedade de novos instrumentos. Recentemente um novo sistema foi introduzido no mercado, o SAF (Self Adjusting file) ou lima auto ajustável. Este artigo tem o objetivo de apresentar esse novo instrumento.

The instrumentation of root canals has suffered a series of innovations to instruments as well as techniques. With the advent of nickel-titanium instruments of the market has received a variety of new instruments. Recently a new system was introduced in the market, SAF (Self Adjusting file). This article aims to present this new instrument.