Quasi-3D dynamic photoelastic analysis of stress distribution during preparation of simulated canals with 13 mechanical preparation systems.

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the stress produced on the internal walls of simulated canals by nine rotary and four reciprocating systems. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-five isotropic transparent blocks containing a 60° curved and tapered simulated canal were selected and distributed into 13 groups (n = 5) according to the preparation system: BioRace, HyFlex EDM, iRaCe, Mtwo, One RECI, ProTaper Next, RaCe EVO, Reciproc, Reciproc Blue, R-Motion, VDW.ROTATE, XP-Endo Rise Shaper, and XP-Endo Shaper. Each resin block was mounted in a vice and a digital camera recorded the entire sequence of each preparation system through a circular polariscope set for dark field analysis. The video frames when each instrument reached the end of the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the canal were extracted from the recordings and analysed by two independent observers regarding the stress generated on the canal walls using a semi-quantitative evaluation on a 0-5 scale. Intra- and inter-observer agreement were subjected to the Cohen's Kappa coefficient test, whilst the experimental results were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test post hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction (α = 5%). RESULTS: The inter- and intra-observer agreement were 0.98 and 1, respectively. Most instruments demonstrated acceptable performance (scores ≤ 2) in all thirds. Other instruments, such as the HyFlex EDM 25.12 (coronal and middle thirds), Reciproc Blue R25 and Reciproc R25 (coronal and apical thirds), R-Motion 30.04 (apical third), and VDW.ROTATE 20.05 (apical third) showed scores higher than 3. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference amongst the tested systems at the coronal, middle, and apical thirds (p < .05). CONCLUSION: None of the canal instrumentation protocols were stress-free, showing varying levels of stress concentrations. Various factors seemed to influence the magnitude of stress and its distribution pattern on the canal walls. Overall, instruments characterized by a larger taper, lower speed, reciprocating motion, and made of heat-treated NiTi alloy exhibited higher patterns of stress distribution.

Prevalence of periapical lesions, root canal treatments and restorations in teeth adjacent to implant- or tooth-supported crowns: A multi-centre cross-sectional study.

AIM: To describe the prevalence of periapical lesions, root canal treatments and coronal restorations on teeth adjacent to either implant- or natural tooth-supported crowns using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) assessment compared to nonadjacent teeth. METHODOLOGY: A total of 1249 CBCT volumes were screened by five pre-calibrated observers in 11 health centres. A step-by-step screening protocol was implemented and reviewed every 3 months, and mandatory setting characteristics were established for all CBCT scans using dedicated visualization software. Intra- and inter-rater reliability tests were conducted. The prevalence of periapical lesions, root canal treatments and coronal restorations was recorded on both teeth adjacent and nonadjacent to implant- (predictor 1) or natural tooth-supported crowns (predictor 2). A binary logistic model (Generalizing Estimating Equations test) was used to verify whether the prevalence of periapical lesion, root canal filling and the tooth restorative status are altered when the assessed tooth is adjacent or not to an implant-supported crown (predictor 1); or to a natural tooth-supported crown (predictor 2). Odds ratio and confidence intervals for the dependent variables at both predictors were obtained. The significance level was set at .05. RESULTS: A global sample of 22 899 teeth was included. Compared to nonadjacent teeth, the prevalence of periapical lesion, root canals treatments and restorative procedures when adjacent to implant-supported crowns was 10.7%, 19.6% and 22.9% higher, respectively, and when adjacent to tooth-supported crowns was 19.3%, 35.6% and 37.4% higher respectively. These results were significant only for variables root canal filling and coronal restoration (p < .0001). Odds ratio to present root canal treatment is 2.57 times higher (CI 1.95-3.39, p = .0001) when the tooth is adjacent to implant-supported crown and 4.39 times (CI 3.49-5.53, p = .0001) when adjacent to tooth-supported crown, whilst for restorative procedure, the odds are, respectively, 1.63 (CI 1.29-2.06, p = .0001) and 2.30 (CI 1.92-2.76, p = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Teeth adjacent to both implant- and natural tooth-supported crowns were associated with a higher frequency of root canal filling and coronal restorations.

Influence of access cavity preparation on the dentine thickness of mesial canals of mandibular molars prepared with reciprocating instruments.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of traditional and conservative access cavity preparations on the remaining dentine thickness in the coronal third of mesial canals of extracted mandibular molars prepared with reciprocating instruments using micro-computed tomography as the analytical tool. METHODOLOGY: Seventy extracted mandibular molars were scanned at a pixel size of 19 µm. From this initial sample, 20 teeth were selected, pair-matched and distributed into two groups (n = 10) according to the access cavity preparation: traditional (TradAC) or conservative (ConsAC). The root canals were sequentially enlarged with Reciproc Blue R25 (size 25, 0.08v taper) and R40 (size 40, 0.06v taper) instruments. A new scan was performed and the postoperative stacks were coregistered with their respective preoperative datasets. A colour-coded cross sections of the roots were created and used to identify and measure the smallest dentine thickness related to both MB and ML canals at 1.0-mm intervals from the furcation level of up to 5 mm in the apical direction, in both mesial and distal aspects of the roots, before and after preparation. The statistical analyses were performed with paired-samples t-test, independent-samples Student T-test and Chi-Square test with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: At all levels of both groups, dentine thickness before preparation was greater than after preparation (p < .05). No difference in the percentage of dentine reduction was observed between TradAC and ConsAC groups (p > .05), but a significantly greater reduction was observed to the distal aspect of the roots (p < .05). After root canal preparation, dentine thinner than 0.5 mm was observed mostly along the distal aspect of the root (10% to 15%) of the MB and ML canals, with no influence of the access cavity type on its incidence to either mesial (X2  = 1.66; p = .2) or distal (X2  = 0.40; p = .5) directions. In the TradAC group, dentine thickness in most slices was greater than 1.0 mm after preparation (n = 124) whilst, in the ConsAC, it ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 mm (n = 136). CONCLUSION: Traditional or conservative access cavity preparation in extracted mandibular molars did not influence the remaining dentine thickness in the coronal third of mesial canals enlarged with thermomechanically treated nickel-titanium reciprocating instruments.

Micro-CT assessment of gap-containing areas along the gutta-percha-sealer interface in oval-shaped canals.

AIM: To assess the interfacial adaptation (gap-containing areas) of two root canal sealers (EndoSequence BC Sealer and AH Plus) to a conventional gutta-percha (GP) cone (GP-sealer interface) in oval-shaped canals filled using the single cone technique. METHODOLOGY: Sixteen teeth with oval-shaped canals were selected, scanned in a micro-computed tomographic device, and pair-matched according to the volume, aspect ratio and configuration of root canals. Root canals were then sequentially prepared with WaveOne Gold Primary and Large instruments, followed by filling with WaveOne Large GP points associated with either the premixed calcium-silicate EndoSequence BC Sealer or the epoxy resin-based AH Plus sealer (n = 8 per group) using the single cone technique. After 7 days stored in phosphate-buffered saline solution at 37°C, the specimens were rescanned and the reconstructed images segmented in order to differentiate the filling materials (sealer and GP cone) to the dentine. A total of 453 cross-sectional slices were assessed and categorized according to the presence or absence of gaps at the GP-sealer interface. Mann-Whitney U-test verified the differences between groups and were considered significant at alpha = 5%. RESULTS: Gaps were non-homogenously distributed in two-dimensional axial cross-section images and none of the specimens showed completely gap-free areas along the entire GP-sealer interface. Root canals filled with EndoSequence BC Sealer and AH Plus displayed 171 (37.75%) and 136 (30.02%) slices with gaps in the GP-sealer interface and these frequencies were statistically significant (p = .000). CONCLUSIONS: Although none of the specimens had a gap-free area along the entire GP-sealer interface, oval canals filled with AH Plus showed less gaps than the ones filled with EndoSequence BC Sealer.

Methodological proposal for evaluation of adhesion of root canal sealers to gutta-percha.

AIM: To compare the bond strength of an epoxy resin-based sealer and two calcium silicate-based sealers (CSS) to gutta-percha discs using a new method. METHODOLOGY: Round discs of gutta-percha (n = 60), measuring 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness, were placed on a glass plate and a drop of each sealer (AH Plus, EndoSequence BC Sealer and EndoSeal MTA) was placed on their surface. Another identical disc was placed onto the first one and a standardized weight (0.0981 N) applied over them using a specially developed apparatus. Ten samples prepared for each sealer were submitted to a microshear bond strength test accomplished by a specially designed set-up coupled to a universal testing machine. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a post hoc procedure was used to compare groups considering the preliminary analysis of the raw data had indicated the nonadherence to a Gaussian distribution (Shapiro-Wilk, p < .05). Alpha error was set at 5%. RESULTS: Overall, no premature failure occurred. All sealers had some degree of adhesiveness to gutta-percha discs but with a significant difference amongst them (Kruskal-Wallis, p = .019). The epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus) had significantly higher median shear bond strength values (1.43 MPa; 1.40-1.83) compared to EndoSeal MTA (0.53 MPa; 0.46-0.73) (p = .021) and EndoSequence BC Sealer (0.45 MPa; 0.34-0.46) (p = .023), whilst the lowest median value was observed with EndoSequence BC Sealer (0.45 MPa; 0.34-0.46) (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: CSS sealers had weaker bonding to gutta-percha when compared to the epoxy resin-based AH Plus sealer. The proposed methodology is an innovative and reproducible method for testing the bond strength of root canal sealers to gutta-percha.

Dynamic Photoelastic Analysis of Stress Distribution in Simulated Canals Using Rotary Instruments with Varied Tip and Taper Sizes: A Quasi-3D Approach.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the stress produced on the walls of simulated canals by rotary instruments with varied tip and taper sizes. METHODS: Ninety isotropic transparent blocks, each containing a 60-degree curved canal, were distributed into 18 groups (n = 5) based on the instrument tip (sizes 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35) and taper (sizes 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06). The blocks were fixed in a circular polariscope setup for dark field analysis. A digital camera was employed to capture the real-time birefringence patterns generated by each instrument. Digital image frames, corresponding to the instrument reaching the end of each canal third, were extracted and evaluated by 2 independent observers for the stress generation on canal walls. The data analysis employed a semi-quantitative scale ranging from 0 to 5. Cohen's Kappa coefficient test was used to determine the inter-observer agreement while the results were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by an all-pairwise posthoc procedure (α = 5%). RESULTS: Inter-observer agreement was 0.95. A significant influence of the tip size on stress was observed across the coronal (P = .011), middle (P = .006), and apical (P = .026) thirds. In contrast, taper size did not affect the stress induced at the coronal (P = .509), middle (P = .958), or apical (P = .493) thirds. The variations in tip and taper sizes did not result in a significant stress differences among the thirds (P = .181). CONCLUSIONS: The stress significantly increased across all canal thirds with larger tip sizes of rotary instruments, whereas the taper sizes did not influence the stress when compared to the canal thirds.

Taper 0.06 Versus Taper 0.04: The Impact on the Danger Zone.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of root canal enlargement on the danger zone (DZ) of mandibular molars. METHODS: Thirty mesial roots of mandibular first molars were scanned in micro-computed tomography (S1). Canals were sequentially enlarged with rotary instruments up to sizes 30/0.04 (S2) and 30/0.06 (S3). The dentin thickness was measured at 0.1-mm intervals after each preparation step (n = 2964 slices). Root level and position of the DZ were also recorded. Data were compared using analysis of variance with Bonferroni pairwise comparison, Cochran's Q method, and Pearson's test (α = 5%). RESULTS: Comparing the specimens before (S1) and after (S2 and S3) preparations showed a significant reduction in the thickness of the DZ (P < .05), as well as between S2 and S3 steps (P < .05). At S1, the DZ was mostly located in the middle third of the root, but after preparation, it shifted toward the coronal direction (P < .05). Both S2 (P = .004, r = 0.508) and S3 (P = .004, r = 0.506) preparation steps showed a positive correlation between canal length and the root level of the DZ. At S1, the DZ was positioned toward the distal and mesial in 73.4% (n = 22) and 26.6% (n = 8) of the specimens, respectively. After S3, the number of specimens with DZ positioned toward the mesial aspect of the root significantly reduced to 3.3% (n = 1), whereas none of the specimens with DZ positioned toward the distal changed its position after root canal enlargements (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Overall, the enlargement of mesial canals of mandibular first molars with final instruments sizes 30/0.04 and 30/0.06 affected the thickness, root level, and position of the DZ.

Volume and/or Time of NaOCl Influences the Fracture Strength of Endodontically Treated Bovine Teeth.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether amplifying the volume and/or time of contact of NaOCl affects the fracture strength of endodontically treated bovine teeth. Four bovine incisors from 10 animals were allocated into 4 groups using a split-mouth design. Root canals were instrumented using a sequence of 4 manual stainless steel files and irrigated with a 5.25% alkalized NaOCl solution. The total volume and time of irrigation, per sample, varied among the groups as following: standard volume and time of contact - 15 mL/11.5 min; volume raise - 30 mL/11.5 min; time of contact raise - 15 mL/19 min; and volume and time of contact raise - 30 mL/19 min. Samples were subjected to a fracture resistance assay. At p=0.05, two-way ANOVA statistically scrutinized the results. Effect size of NaOCl time of contact and volume were also calculated (η2). The variation in time (p=0.000), volume of irrigation (p=0.000) and the combination of both (p=0.038) negatively influenced the fracture resistance. Standard volume and time of irrigation showed the highest fracture strength while isolated increase in volume or time reduced in 25% and 37%, respectively, the fracture resistance; the simultaneous increase in volume and time of irrigation promoted a reduction of 47%. Effect size of NaOCl time of contact was superior (0.746) than the volume (0.564). Raising the volume and/or time of a 5.25% alkalized NaOCl solution reduces the fracture resistance of endodontically treated bovine teeth.

Intraoperative discomfort associated with the use of a rotary or reciprocating system: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized, controlled, prospective clinical study was to evaluate patients' intraoperative discomfort during root canal preparations in which either multi-file rotary (Mtwo) or single-file reciprocating (Reciproc) systems were used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five adult patients, aged between 25 and 69 years old, with irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis participated in this study. Either the mesiobuccal or the distobuccal canals for maxillary molars and either the mesiobuccal or the mesiolingual canals for mandibular molars were randomly chosen to be instrumented with Mtwo multi-file rotary or Reciproc single-file reciprocating systems. Immediately after each canal instrumentation under anesthesia, patient discomfort was assessed using a 1 - 10 visual analog scale (VAS), ranging from 'least possible discomfort' (1) to 'greatest possible discomfort' (10). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine significant differences at p< 0.05. RESULTS: Little intraoperative discomfort was found in all cases. No statistically significant differences in intraoperative discomfort between the 2 systems were found (p = 0.660). CONCLUSIONS: Root canal preparation with multi-file rotary or single-file reciprocating systems had similar and minimal effects on patients' intraoperative discomfort.

Postoperative Pain after Endodontic Retreatment Using Rotary or Reciprocating Instruments: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the influence of rotary or reciprocating retreatment techniques on the incidence, intensity, duration of postoperative pain, and medication intake. METHODS: After power analysis calculations, 65 patients who needed endodontic retreatment were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups according to the instrumentation system used: Mtwo (VDW, Munich, Germany) or Reciproc (VDW). Retreatments were performed in a single visit by an endodontic specialist. Participants were asked to rate the incidence and intensity of the postoperative pain on a verbal rating scale 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment. Patients were also asked to record the number of prescribed analgesic medication tablets (ibuprofen 400 mg) taken. A logistic regression analysis was used to assess both the incidence and duration of pain. Differences in the intensity of pain were analyzed using the ordinal (linear) chi-square test, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess differences in the intake of analgesic medication between groups. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found among the 2 groups in relation to postoperative pain or analgesic medication intake at the 3 time points assessed (P > .05). Multivariate analysis showed a significantly higher incidence of pain after 24 hours when preoperative pain was present and a significantly longer duration of pain for men than women independently of the retreatment technique used. CONCLUSIONS: The reciprocating system and the continuous rotary system were found to be equivalent regarding the incidence, intensity, duration of postoperative pain, and intake of analgesic medication.

Push-out Bond Strength of Fast-setting Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Pozzolan-based Cements: ENDOCEM MTA and ENDOCEM Zr.

INTRODUCTION: The present study investigated the root canal dentin bond strength of 2 newly developed fast-setting mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and pozzolan-based cements: ENDOCEM MTA (Maruchi, Wonju, Korea) and ENDOCEM Zr (Maruchi). White MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) was used as the reference material for comparison. METHODS: Root slices (1 mm ± 0.1 mm) were obtained from the middle third of 15 maxillary incisors previously selected. Three canal-like holes (0.8 diameter) were drilled perpendicularly on the axial surface of each root slice. A standardized irrigation protocol was applied for all samples, and after drying, each hole was filled with 1 of 3 test repair materials. Finally, slices were stored in contact with phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH = 7.2) for 7 days at 37°C before the push-out assay. Data were nonparametrically evaluated at α = 5%. RESULTS: The Friedman test was unable to confirm a significant dissimilarity in push-out ranks among the tested cements (P = .220). CONCLUSIONS: The new fast-setting MTA and pozzolan-based cements ENDOCEM MTA and ENDOCEM Zr present suitable bond strength performance, which is comparable with white MTA.

Push-out Bond Strength of Injectable Pozzolan-based Root Canal Sealer.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to rank the bond strength to root dentin of a new injectable pozzolan-based root canal sealer, EndoSeal MTA, as compared with MTA Fillapex and AH Plus. METHODS: Eighteen dentinal slices (1 ± 0.1 mm) were obtained from the middle third of 6 maxillary incisors previously selected. Three canal-like holes with 0.8 mm diameter were drilled perpendicularly on the axial surface of each slice. Then, a standardized irrigation was applied for all holes that were subsequently filled with 1 of 3 test root canal sealers. After that, slices were stored in contact with phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH 7.2) for 7 days at 37°C before the push-out assay. Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed rank test with a Bonferroni correction were used to rank the results. Significance boundary was set at α = 5%. RESULTS: Friedman test confirmed a significant dissimilarity in push-out ranks among the tested cements (P < .01). Wilcoxon signed rank test demonstrated AH Plus had significant superior resistance to dislodgment compared with Endo Seal (P < .01) or MTA Fillapex (P < .01), whereas MTA Fillapex presented the lowest push-out values as compared with Endo Seal (P < .01) or AH Plus (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: EndoSeal presents satisfactory bond strength performance for application in endodontic therapy compared with MTA Fillapex, and although it displays a new alternative of injectable bio-tight root canal sealer, it is not able to improve adhesion compared with AH Plus.

Resistência de união à dentina de um material fotopolimerizável à base de silicato de cálcio e modificado por resina / Dentin bond strength of resin-modified light-curable calcium-silicate-based material

Objetivo: este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a resistência de união à dentina de um material à base de silicato de cálcio fotopolimerizável modificado por resina (TheraCal LC®; Bisco, Schaumburg, IL, EUA) com MTA branco (WMTA®; Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brasil). Materiais e Métodos: dezesseis incisivos superiores e caninos humanos foram selecionados e três discos de 1 mm foram obtidos a partir do terço médio de cada raiz. Na superfície coronal de cada disco, dois furos de 1,2 mm de largura foram perfurados na dentina. Em seguida, os buracos artificiais foram preenchidos com um dos materiais testados: WMTA® e TheraCal LC®. As fatias dentárias preenchidas foram armazenadas em uma solução salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS) (pH 7,2) por 7 dias a 37°C. Depois disso, a avaliação do push-out foi realizada com uma ponta do êmbolo de 1,0 mm. A carga foi aplicada a uma velocidade de 0,5 mm / min até o deslocamento do selador. Os resultados foram expressos em MPa. O teste U de Mann-Whitney foi aplicado para classificar os materiais quanto à resistência adesiva à dentina. O nível de significância foi estabelecido em = 5%. Resultados: todas as amostras apresentaram resultados de resistência de união à dentina mensuráveis e não ocorreram falhas prematuras. O TheraCal LC® demonstrou valores superiores de resistência de união à dentina quando comparado ao WMTA® (P<0,0001). Conclusões: existe uma vantagem do TheraCal LC® sobre o WMTA® no que diz respeito à resistência da união ao empurrar e, portanto, pode ser considerado um material reparador promissor e inovador

Objective: this study aimed to compare the dentin bond strength of a resin-modified light-curable calcium-silicate-based material (TheraCal LC®; Bisco, Schaumburg, IL, USA) with White MTA (WMTA®; Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil). Materials and Methods: sixteen human maxillary incisors and canines were selected and three 1-mm-discs were obtained from the middle third of each root. On the coronal surface of each disc, two 1.2-mm-wide-holes were drilled through the dentin. Then, artificial holes were filled with one of the tested materials: WMTA® and TheraCal LC®. The filled dental slices were stored in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution (pH 7.2) for 7 days at 37°C. After that, push-out assessment was performed with a 1.0-mm-plunger-tip. Load was applied at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until sealer displacement. The results were expressed in MPa. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to rank materials regarding dentin push-out bond strength. Significance level was set at a = 5%. Results: All specimens showed measurable results and no premature failure occurred. TheraCal LC® demonstrated superior push-out bond strength values to dentin when compared to WMTA® (P<0.0001). Conclusions: there is advantage of TheraCal LC® over WMTA® as regards to the push-out bond strength and, therefore it may be taken as a promising and innovative reparative material

Volume and/or time of naocl influences the fracture strength of endodontically treated bovine teeth

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate whether amplifying the volume and/or time of contact of NaOCl affects the fracture strength of endodontically treated bovine teeth. Four bovine incisors from 10 animals were allocated into 4 groups using a split-mouth design. Root canals were instrumented using a sequence of 4 manual stainless steel files and irrigated with a 5.25% alkalized NaOCl solution. The total volume and time of irrigation, per sample, varied among the groups as following: standard volume and time of contact - 15 mL/11.5 min; volume raise - 30 mL/11.5 min; time of contact raise - 15 mL/19 min; and volume and time of contact raise - 30 mL/19 min. Samples were subjected to a fracture resistance assay. At p=0.05, two-way ANOVA statistically scrutinized the results. Effect size of NaOCl time of contact and volume were also calculated (η2). The variation in time (p=0.000), volume of irrigation (p=0.000) and the combination of both (p=0.038) negatively influenced the fracture resistance. Standard volume and time of irrigation showed the highest fracture strength while isolated increase in volume or time reduced in 25% and 37%, respectively, the fracture resistance; the simultaneous increase in volume and time of irrigation promoted a reduction of 47%. Effect size of NaOCl time of contact was superior (0.746) than the volume (0.564). Raising the volume and/or time of a 5.25% alkalized NaOCl solution reduces the fracture resistance of endodontically treated bovine teeth.

Resumo O objetivo desse estudo foi o de avaliar se o aumento de volume e/ou tempo de contato do NaOCl afeta a resistência à fratura de dentes bovinos tratados endodonticamente. Quatro incisivos bovinos de 10 animais foram alocados em 4 grupos usando um desenho experimental de boca dividida. Os canais radiculares foram instrumentados usando uma sequência de 4 limas manuais de aço inoxidável e irrigados com uma solução de NaOCl alcalinizada a 5,25%. O volume total e o tempo de irrigação, por amostra, variaram entre os grupos da seguinte forma: volume e tempo de contato padrão (grupo controle) - 15 mL/11,5 min; aumento de volume - 30 mL/11,5 min; aumento no tempo de contato - 15 mL/19 min; e aumento no volume e no tempo de contato - 30 mL/19 min. As amostras foram submetidas a um ensaio de resistência à fratura. Com p=0.05, o teste two-way ANOVA analisou estatisticamente os resultados. O tamanho do efeito do tempo de contato e volume de NaOCl também foi calculado (h2). A variação no tempo (p=0,000), no volume de irrigação (p=0,000) e a interação entre ambos (p=0.038) influenciaram negativamente a resistência à fratura. O volume e o tempo padrão de irrigação apresentaram a maior resistência à fratura, enquanto o aumento isolado no volume ou no tempo de contato reduziram 25% e 37%, respectivamente, a resistência à fratura; o aumento simultâneo do volume e tempo de irrigação promoveu uma redução de 47%. O tamanho do efeito do tempo de contato com o NaOCl foi superior (0,746) ao volume (0,564). Aumentando o volume e/ou o tempo de uma solução de NaOCl alcalinizada a 5,25% reduz a resistência à fratura de dentes bovinos tratados endodonticamente.