ABSTRACT
Nickel-titanium (NiTi) file separation during endodontic treatment is an undesirable event. This phenomenon needs to be understood by knowing the factors influencing fracture in endodontic files. There is a large amount of literature where these factors and their influence have been studied, increasing the knowledge about the mechanisms involved, mainly related to wire technology, file shapes and geometry, operator manipulation, the anatomy of the root canal, and the irrigation and sterilization processes. As many factors are involved, the complexity of the fracture phenomena increases and the isolated correlation of one factor with the file fracture becomes a small part of comprehending the separation phenomena. This thematic review aims to compile important reports from 2014 to 2022 on the factors influencing NiTi file separation. The information obtained was classified into wire technology, file geometry, operational aspects, irrigation and sterilization, and anatomy. For this purpose, the Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect databases were consulted using a search string. Filters were applied to consolidate the final set of relevant papers covering the subject of factors influencing endodontic file separation. It was found that the fracture of NiTi files incorporates different mechanisms that operate simultaneously during the endodontic procedure and strongly affect the instrument performance. The collected information promotes good practices to prevent file separation.
Subject(s)
Nickel , Root Canal Preparation , Titanium , Humans , Root Canal Preparation/instrumentation , Equipment Failure , Equipment Design , Sterilization , Dental InstrumentsABSTRACT
Abstract Introduction: Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) endodontic files are made of hyperelastic material with shape memory. However, these files suffer a sudden fracture during the endodontic treatment, which is considered an unfavorable prognosis. Many studies have been conducted to establish fatigue resistance focused on file brands and determine which is better. Although the most common failure mechanisms have been established for motorized endodontic files, the information is scattered, making it difficult to develop clear research trends. Methods: a scoping review was carried out using Scopus, Dimensions.ai, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases to answer screening questions related to the predominant fracture mechanism in NiTi files, test types, and equipment used for experimentation and to identify the most active authors. Results: using the general search terms, 432 research papers were found, of which 75 were finally selected after eliminating duplicates and applying exclusion criteria. Conclusions: typical failure mechanisms for rotatory and reciprocating files were identified based on the panoramic review and bibliometric indicators. Also, the standard mechanical tests for endodontic files and the characteristics of their assemblies were summarized. The most active authors in the area and their nationality were tagged. Finally, gaps for future research are proposed to generate a comprehensive knowledge of NiTi file failure.
Resumen Introducción: las limas de Níquel-Titanio (NiTi) utilizadas en endodoncia están hechas de un material hiperelástico con memoria de forma. Sin embargo, estas limas sufren fractura repentina durante el tratamiento, lo cual se considera un pronóstico desfavorable. Se han realizado diversos estudios para establecer la resistencia a la fatiga de limas, y determinar cuál marca es mejor. Aunque se han establecido los mecanismos de falla más comunes para las limas de endodoncia motorizadas, la información se encuentra dispersa, dificultando la definición de tendencias claras de investigación. Métodos: se realizó una revisión de cobertura temática utilizando las bases de datos Scopus, Dimensions.ai, Web of Science y Science Direct, para responder a preguntas orientadoras relacionadas con el mecanismo de fractura predominante en las limas NiTi, tipos de pruebas y equipos utilizados para la experimentación e identificar los autores más activos en el área. Resultados: utilizando términos generales de búsqueda, se encontraron 435 trabajos de investigación. Finalmente se seleccionaron 75, tras eliminar duplicados y aplicar criterios de exclusión. Conclusiones: a partir de la revisión panorámica de literatura y empleando algunos indicadores bibliométricos, se identificaron los mecanismos de falla más comunes para las limas rotatorias y reciprocantes. Se obtuvo información sobre ensayos mecánicos y los montajes más utilizados para las limas de endodoncia. Se identificaron los autores más activos en el área y su nacionalidad. Por último, se sugieren oportunidades de investigación para generar un conocimiento exhaustivo sobre la falla de las limas NiTi.
