Laboratory Rational of Changes in the Crystal Lattice of Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Rotary Files in Autoclaving.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of the crystal lattice of NiTi instruments after repeated autoclave sterilization cycles based on the results to conclude about the influence of multiple sterilization on the characteristics of ProTaper clinical use. METHODS: 21 samples of ProTaper Universal rotary files were divided into 3 groups of 7 samples. After 1, 4, and 7 cycles of sterilization, the samples were observed using еnergy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: EDS analysis confirmed that all samples were composed mainly of nickel and titanium, also Fe (presumably steel), Cr, Co, and Zn were found. The percentage of nickel and titanium was affected by repeated sterilization cycles. The mass fraction of Fe, Co, Zn, and Cr decreased after 1, 4, and 7 sterilization cycles. According to the results of the second study, it was found that, with increasing autoclaving cycles, the percentage of Fe decreased. There were changes in the three obtained diffractograms, which indicated an increase in the number of the martensitic phase and a decrease in austenitic. The cutting efficiency of the ProTaper is also reduced during repeated sterilization cycles, which can be caused by the austenitic and martensitic phase displacement. CONCLUSION: Manufacturing features and repeated sterilization cycles increase the internal deformation in the structure of NiTi alloy, which increases the risk of fracture.

The Substantiation of the Pre-Polymerization Heating Efficiency of the Dental Nanocomposite Material

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of pre-polymerization heating of nanocomposite filling materials on their strength properties within one manufacture group. Material and Methods: Two nanocomposite filling materials Enamel Plus HRi Universal Dentin® and Universal Enamel® were used. The linear thermal expansion coefficient (LTEC), Young's modulus and penetration depth were determined during the tests. Changes in the structure of materials were evaluated using electron scanning microscopy. Results: Dentin nanocomposite samples after pre-heating and polymerization have higher LTEC after 30°C compared to dentine nanocomposite untreated samples with statistically significance started at 62°C (p<0.05) and higher temperature. Pre-polymerization heated samples had a statistically higher LTEC (p<0.05) at 57°С. It was revealed that Young's modulus of the dentin nanocomposite samples after thermal processing at 55°C was higher in total after the first heating cycle by 15% compared to the untreated dentin nanocomposite samples (p<0.05). The volume of total porosity after pre-heating decreased to 5-7% (p<0.05). Conclusion: The material that has undergone preliminary heat processing is significantly less deformed under load than the material that does not have thermal processing during the research was established and also has a denser structure.