Comparison of ProTaper, RaCe and Safesider instruments in the induction of dentinal microcracks: a micro-CT study.

AIM: To evaluate ex vivo the incidence of microcracks in root dentine after canal preparation with ProTaper Universal (PTU), RaCe or Safesider instrumentation systems using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). METHODOLOGY: Thirty freshly extracted mandibular molars with two separate mesial canals and foramina were used. The roots were allocated into three similar groups according to curvature angles and radii of the canals and lengths of the roots. Distal roots were removed and mesial roots were embedded in acrylic resin and instrumented with the PTU, RaCe or Safesider systems up to size 30 (F3 for PTU, size 30, 0.04 taper for RaCe and Safesider) for all instrumentation groups. Dentinal microcracks were evaluated on micro-CT images of the apical 10 mm of the roots with 1-mm intervals. Two experienced observers evaluated the images twice in a blinded fashion. The presence of dentinal microcracks (complete/incomplete cracks and craze lines) was noted and analysed statistically using McNemar and chi-square tests (P = 0.05). RESULTS: There were microcracks on uninstrumented root sections. All instrumentation systems significantly increased the number of dentinal microcracks when compared to preoperative specimens (P < 0.05). There were new microcracks on the postoperative samples. The PTU system (42%) led to greater number of post-instrumentation microcracks than Safesider (35%) and RaCe (25%) systems, respectively. The difference between PTU and RaCe system was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All instrumentation systems significantly increased the number of microcracks compared with preoperative specimens. The PTU system generated more post-instrumentation dentinal microcracks than the RaCe system.

Shaping ability of two M-wire and two traditional nickel-titanium instrumentation systems in S-shaped resin canals.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the shaping effects of two M-wire and two traditional nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary systems in simulated S-shaped resin canals. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty simulated S-shaped canals in resin blocks were instrumented with two traditional (ProTaper, Sendoline S5) and two M-wire (WaveOne, GT series X) NiTi systems according to the manufacturers' instructions. Ten resin blocks were used for each system. Pre- and post-instrumentation images were captured using a stereomicroscope and superimposed with an image program. Canal transportation, material removal, and aberrations were evaluated and recorded as numeric parameters. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: There were significant differences between systems in terms of transportation and material removal (P<0.05). Coronal danger zone was the most common aberration. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this ex vivo study, it was found that the manufacturing methods (M-wire or traditional NiTi) and kinematics (rotary or reciprocating motion) did not affect the shaping abilities of the systems. The extended file designs of highly tapered NiTi systems (ProTaper, WaveOne) resulted in greater deviations from the original root canal trace and more material removal when compared to less tapered systems (Sendoline S5, GT series X).

A comparative study of apical leakage of Apexit, Ketac-Endo, and Diaket root canal sealers.

The purpose of this study was to compare the apical leakage of Ketac-Endo, Apexit, and Diaket. Fifty freshly extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were used. The anatomical crowns were removed at the amelocemental junction, and step-back preparation of the roots canals was performed with K-type files to size 40 using 2 ml of 5.25% NaOCl irrigant after each file change. The roots were randomly divided into five groups of 10 roots each: three experimental and two control groups. The experimental groups were as follows: group 1, Apexit; group 2, Ketac-Endo; and group 3, Diaket. Root canals were filled with one of the sealers and gutta-percha using lateral condensation. After the specimens were stored in 100% humidity at 37 degrees C for 2 wk, the roots were covered with two layers of nail polish and immersed in 2% methylene blue for 7 days. Each tooth was split into two sections, and dye penetration was evaluated independently by three examiners using a stereomicroscope at x20 magnification. Mann-Whitney U analysis showed that there was no significant difference between Apexit and Diaket (p > 0.05). However, there was significantly more leakage with Ketac-Endo (p < 0.05).

Microleakage of glass ionomer cement composite resin and glass ionomer resin cement.

An in vitro dye leakage study was performed to compare the sealing ability of glass ionomer, composite resin and glass ionomer/resin cement when used as restorative materials for G.V. Black class V cavities. In this research, standard Class V cavities were prepared in sound premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. The cavities were randomly divided into 3 groups. After filling the cavities with glass ionomer cement, composite resin and light curing glass ionomer/resin cement, the specimens were immersed in silver nitrate solution. Marginal microleakage at the interface between the cavity wall and restoration was evaluated. The results were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. Result of this in vitro study indicate that composite resin and glass ionomer/resin cement provide a better seal than glass ionomer cement.

The effect of curing light variations on bulk curing and wall-to-wall quality of two types and various shades of resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the influence of light intensity and irradiation time variations on the curing efficacy of two types and various shades of resin composites and the effect of reduced light intensity on the preservation of wall-to-wall continuity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three microfilled composites (in three different shades) and one hybrid composite were used in this study. Polymerization shrinkage, and the hardness and adaptation of adhesive restorations in dentin cavities were determined at light intensities of 175 and 700 mW/cm2 and irradiation times of 10 and 60 s. Data were compared using in a general linear model analysis. RESULTS: Shrinkage measurements were the indication of conversion and conversion rate. Reduced intensity slowed down the rate of polymerization but did not reduce the conversion as long as an irradiation time of 60 s was employed. High-energy irradiation caused increased separation of the composite from the tooth structure. On the basis of obtaining optimal conversion and adaption, it was demonstrated that the irradiation time to be more effective than irradiation energy. SIGNIFICANCE: Light-cured composites require an understanding of their structure, pigmentation and irradiation parameters to obtain optimal performance. High intensity light-curing does not necessarily lead to optimal quality.

A comparative sealability study of different retrofilling materials.

The purpose of this study was to compare the sealing ability of high-copper amalgam, glass ionomer cement, and silver glass ionomer cement as retrofilling materials when used with and without varnish. Seventy extracted human single-rooted anterior teeth were instrumented and the root canals obturated with laterally condensed gutta-percha and sealer. The apical 3 mm of each root was resected and a 2 mm-deep apical Class I preparation cut. The roots were then randomly allocated to six groups of 10 teeth and retrofilled with one of the experiment materials. Group I comprised high-copper amalgam; group 2, high-copper amalgam with cavity varnish; group 3, glass ionomer cement without varnish; group 4, glass ionomer cement with varnish; group 5, silver glass ionomer cement without varnish; and group 6, silver glass ionomer cement with varnish. Two groups of five roots each were used as positive and negative controls. The root surfaces were coated with nail polish and specimens immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for 14 days. After vertical sectioning, dye penetration was examined under a stereomicroscope. The results of the study were analysed statistically. The sealing ability of the conventional glass ionomer cement with varnish was significantly better while dye penetration was higher in silver glass ionomer cement without varnish group than the other groups (P < 0.01).