Differences in torsional performance of single- and multiple-instrument rotary systems for glide path preparation.

A new rotary instrument has been developed to simplify the glide path preparation in root canals before shaping procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare the peak torque and force induced by nickel-titanium PathFile multiple-instrument system and the recently developed M-Wire ProGlider single instrument during glide path preparation of mesial root canals in extracted mandibular molars. Each independent canal of eight mesial roots of mandibular molars was randomly assigned to achieve a reproducible glide path with a new set of either PathFile #1 and #2 or ProGlider after negotiation with a 10 K-file. Tests were run in a standardized fashion using a torque-testing platform. Peak torque (N cm) and force (N) were registered and analysis of variance and Tukey post-hoc tests were applied. Preliminary data for stationary torque at failure were also obtained and compared with peak torque for each instrument. PathFile #1 and #2 instruments showed statistically lower peak torque (p = 0.001) and peak force (p = 0.008) than ProGlider. Torque at failure according to ADA No. 28/ISO 36030-1 was not significantly different from peak torque during glide path preparation for ProGlider instruments while it was significantly higher for PathFile #1 and #2 (p < 0.001). Under the conditions of this study, PathFile instruments developed significant lower peak torque and force during glide path preparation compared to ProGlider, which is possibly subjected to a greater contact with the canal walls due to the increase in its flute diameter at middle and coronal levels.

Torque and force induced by ProTaper universal and ProTaper next during shaping of large and small root canals in extracted teeth.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare peak torque and force between ProTaper Universal (PTU) and ProTaper Next (PTN) instruments during the preparation of large and small root canals in extracted teeth. METHODS: Twelve maxillary incisors and each independent canal of 6 mesial roots of mandibular molars were randomly assigned to be prepared with a new set of either PTU or PTN instruments after a glide path was achieved. A total of 12 new sets of each instrument system were used. The tests were run in a standardized fashion in a torque-testing platform. Peak torques (Ncm) and force (N) were registered; analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc tests were then applied. RESULTS: Among instruments in the same sequence, no significant differences in peak torque and force were found among PTN instruments when shaping small or large root canals, but some PTU instruments showed statistically lower peak torque and force (P < .01) than others for both types of canals. Whereas PTU instruments showed significant differences in peak torque and force (P < .05) between large and small root canals, PTN instruments showed significantly lower force (P < .04) in large canals, but peak torque was not significantly different for upper central incisors or mesial mandibular root canals. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, instruments in ProTaper Next set showed greater regularity in peak torque for small and large canals than ProTaper Universal instruments.

Mechanical behavior of M-Wire and conventional NiTi wire used to manufacture rotary endodontic instruments.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of physical and mechanical properties of one conventional and a new NiTi wire, which had received an additional thermomechanical treatment. METHODS: Specimens of both conventional (NiTi) and the new type of wire, called M-Wire (MW), were subjected to tensile and three-point bending tests, Vickers microhardness measurements, and to rotating-bending fatigue tests at a strain-controlled level of 6%. Fracture surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy and the non-deformed microstructures by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The thermomechanical treatment applied to produce the M-Wire apparently increased the tensile strength and Vickers microhardness of the material, but its apparent Young modulus was smaller than that of conventionally treated NiTi. The three-point bending tests showed a higher flexibility for MW which also exhibited a significantly higher number of cycles to failure. SIGNIFICANCE: M-Wire presented mechanical properties that can render endodontic instruments more flexible and fatigue resistant than those made with conventionally processed NiTi wires.

In vitro assessment of torque and force generated by novel ProTaper Next Instruments during simulated canal preparation.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess torque and force for simulated canal preparation with a new root canal instrument, ProTaper Next. METHODS: Six sets of ProTaper Next Instruments (X1-X5) were used to prepare 36 artificial canals. Files were divided into 6 groups. Different settings of rotations per minute (250, 300, and 350 rpm) and numbers of in-and-out movements to reach working length (3 or 4 insertions [ins]) were applied in each group (250 rpm/3 ins, 250 rpm/4 ins, 300 rpm/3 ins, 300 rpm/4 ins, 350 rpm/3 ins, and 350 rpm/4 ins) by using an automated torque bench. Peak torques (Ncm) as well as positive and negative forces (N) were registered. Analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc tests were applied. Preliminary data for angle and stationary torque at failure were also obtained and compared with peak torque for each instrument. RESULTS: Significant differences in peak torque (P < .0001), positive force (P < .002), and negative force (P < .0001) were found for ProTaper Next instruments overall. X2 showed the highest torque with all settings. X5 showed the highest positive force in all groups. X1 and X2 showed the highest negative forces for all groups except for 350 rpm/4 ins. Significantly lower torque (P < .0001) and positive force (P < .007) were measured in the group 350 rpm/4 ins for all instruments except for X4. In contrast, X1 showed a significantly lower negative force for 350 rpm/4 ins. Torque at failure according to American Dental Association no. 28/ISO 36030-1 was lower for X1, X2, and X3 than torque during simulated canal preparation (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, using ProTaper Next at 350 rpm and with 4 in-and-out movements resulted in lowest levels of peak torque as well as positive and negative forces.