Influence of cyclic loading in NiTi austenitic and R-phase endodontic files from a finite element perspective.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of cyclic loading on the bending moments and the developed stress state of austenitic and R-phase endodontic files through finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mechanical properties of two groups of NiTi wires, austenite and R-phase, were measured in samples at two different conditions: uncycled and cycled. The cycled condition was achieved by subjecting samples of the two groups to 80% of the corresponding fatigue life under rotating bending efforts. The measured mechanical properties were then used in the finite element analysis, where the boundary and loading conditions were set to replicate a standard bending test. RESULTS: The results showed that mechanical cycling leads to decreasing stress levels and bending moments in the simulated files, especially in the austenitic ones. In comparison with austenite, R-phase presented a more stable mechanical behavior during cycling. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the moment and stress calculated for an instrument under bending can be considerably decreased after some cyclic work. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The fatigue related to the clinical use of an endodontic file decreases the moment (as well as the forces) imposed by the instrument during the shaping of a curved root canal. This decrease is directly related to the type of atomic array present in the alloy.

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.

The effect of sodium hypochlorite on the surface characteristics and fatigue resistance of ProFile nickel-titanium instruments.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of 5.25% NaOCl on the surface characteristics and fatigue resistance of ProFile. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty new ProFile instruments were divided into 1 control group (CG) and 3 experimental groups (EG1, EG2, EG3). Instruments of EG1 were immersed in 5.25% NaOCl for 24 hours. Instruments of EG2 and EG3 shaped 10 curved root canals, using, respectively, deionized water and 5.25% NaOCl as irrigants. Surface characteristics were observed by scanning electron microscopy. All instruments were then submitted to fatigue tests. Two-way ANOVA tests were employed to compare the results. RESULTS: Surface characteristics showed no alteration after the immersion tests. The fatigue resistance of instruments in EG2 and EG3 was significantly lower than in CG and EG1. CONCLUSIONS: Immersion of ProFile in 5.25% NaOCl for 24 hours had no influence on surface characteristics and fatigue resistance. Simulated clinical use was a decisive factor in the decrease of fatigue life.