Root canal curvature influences uncontrolled removal of dentin and cleaning efficacy after ultrasonic activation.

This study evaluated the correlation between root canal curvature and the effects of ultrasonic irrigation in the following parameters: volume of uncontrolled dentin removal (UDRVol), maximum depth of dentin defects, removal of accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD), and canal transportation in prepared curved root canals. Twenty-four human permanent mandibular molars were divided into two groups according to root canal curvature: moderate curvature (MC: mean 25°); and severe curvature (SC: mean 48°). The specimens were scanned using an X-ray microcomputed scanner (Skyscan 1172) before and after cleaning and shaping and after the final irrigation protocol with ultrasonic irrigation. There was a moderate correlation between the degree of root canal curvature and the volume of remaining AHTD (p<0.05) and between the degree of root canal curvature and maximum depth of defects due to uncontrolled removal of dentin (p<0.05). The teeth in the SC group had a greater maximum depth of defects on the dentin wall in the apical third than the teeth in the MC group (p <0.05). Both groups had a significant reduction of AHTD in all canal thirds, but the amount of remaining AHTD in the middle and apical thirds and the whole canal was significantly greater in the SC than in the MC group (p <0.05). Canal transportation was not influenced by the canal curvature in all thirds (p >0.05). This study concluded that root canal curvature affects significantly the uncontrolled removal of dentin and remaining AHTD volume after the final irrigation protocol with ultrasonic irrigation.

Using manual versus mechanized glide path instruments and ProTaper Gold versus ProTaper Next systems in curved canals: micro-CT study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal shaping effect of ProTaper Gold (PTG) versus ProTaper Next (PTN) instrumentation systems, and of a manual #15 K-type file (K15) versus the ProGlider (PG) mechanized instrument for glide path creation, in severely curved mesial canals. Twenty-four mandibular molars with two separate mesial canals were anatomically matched using computed tomographic scanning, and then divided into two groups (n=12) according to the glide path instrument used, either K15 or PG. In all teeth, the PTG system was used to prepare the mesiobuccal canal, and the PTN, the mesiolingual canal. The teeth were scanned by computed microtomography, before and after root canal preparation, and the values of the initial volume, final volume, volumetric variation, untouched walls, and canal transportation variables were determined. The data were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA test, and the Tukey test for multiple comparisons. There was no significant difference among the study groups regarding volumetric variation or root canal transportation, either in the cervical, middle or apical thirds, or in the entire root canal (p>0.05). In the apical third, the percentage of untouched walls was significantly higher in groups using K15 than in those using PG (p<0.05), namely 33.144% and 23.285%, respectively, irrespective of the instrumentation system. In the other regions, there was no difference between K15 and PG regarding this variable. It was concluded that PG was associated with a lower rate of untouched walls in the apical region than K15.

Using manual versus mechanized glide path instruments and ProTaper Gold versus ProTaper Next systems in curved canals: micro-CT study

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal shaping effect of ProTaper Gold (PTG) versus ProTaper Next (PTN) instrumentation systems, and of a manual #15 K-type file (K15) versus the ProGlider (PG) mechanized instrument for glide path creation, in severely curved mesial canals. Twenty-four mandibular molars with two separate mesial canals were anatomically matched using computed tomographic scanning, and then divided into two groups (n=12) according to the glide path instrument used, either K15 or PG. In all teeth, the PTG system was used to prepare the mesiobuccal canal, and the PTN, the mesiolingual canal. The teeth were scanned by computed microtomography, before and after root canal preparation, and the values of the initial volume, final volume, volumetric variation, untouched walls, and canal transportation variables were determined. The data were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA test, and the Tukey test for multiple comparisons. There was no significant difference among the study groups regarding volumetric variation or root canal transportation, either in the cervical, middle or apical thirds, or in the entire root canal (p>0.05). In the apical third, the percentage of untouched walls was significantly higher in groups using K15 than in those using PG (p<0.05), namely 33.144% and 23.285%, respectively, irrespective of the instrumentation system. In the other regions, there was no difference between K15 and PG regarding this variable. It was concluded that PG was associated with a lower rate of untouched walls in the apical region than K15.

Root canal curvature influences uncontrolled removal of dentin and cleaning efficacy after ultrasonic activation

Abstract This study evaluated the correlation between root canal curvature and the effects of ultrasonic irrigation in the following parameters: volume of uncontrolled dentin removal (UDRVol), maximum depth of dentin defects, removal of accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD), and canal transportation in prepared curved root canals. Twenty-four human permanent mandibular molars were divided into two groups according to root canal curvature: moderate curvature (MC: mean 25°); and severe curvature (SC: mean 48°). The specimens were scanned using an X-ray microcomputed scanner (Skyscan 1172) before and after cleaning and shaping and after the final irrigation protocol with ultrasonic irrigation. There was a moderate correlation between the degree of root canal curvature and the volume of remaining AHTD (p<0.05) and between the degree of root canal curvature and maximum depth of defects due to uncontrolled removal of dentin (p<0.05). The teeth in the SC group had a greater maximum depth of defects on the dentin wall in the apical third than the teeth in the MC group (p <0.05). Both groups had a significant reduction of AHTD in all canal thirds, but the amount of remaining AHTD in the middle and apical thirds and the whole canal was significantly greater in the SC than in the MC group (p <0.05). Canal transportation was not influenced by the canal curvature in all thirds (p >0.05). This study concluded that root canal curvature affects significantly the uncontrolled removal of dentin and remaining AHTD volume after the final irrigation protocol with ultrasonic irrigation.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a correlação entre a curvatura do canal radicular e os efeitos da irrigação ultrassônica nos seguintes parâmetros: volume de remoção não controlada de dentina (UDRVol), profundidade máxima do desgaste de dentina, remoção de debris de tecido duro acumulado (AHTD) e transporte em canais radiculares curvos. Vinte e quatro molares inferiores humanos permanentes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com a curvatura do canal radicular: curvatura moderada (MC: média de 25°); e curvatura acentuada (SC: média de 48°). Os espécimes foram digitalizados usando um scanner microcomputador de raios X (Skyscan 1172) antes e depois da limpeza e modelagem e após a irrigação ultrassônica. Houve uma correlação moderada entre o grau de curvatura do canal radicular e o volume de AHTD remanescente (p<0,05) e entre o grau de curvatura do canal radicular e a profundidade máxima de defeitos devido à remoção descontrolada de dentina (p<0,05). Os dentes do grupo SC apresentaram maior profundidade máxima de defeitos na parede dentinária no terço apical do que os dentes do grupo MC (p<0,05). Ambos os grupos tiveram uma redução significativa de AHTD em todos os terços do canal, mas a quantidade de AHTD remanescente nos terços médio e apical e em todo o canal foi significativamente maior no grupo SC do que no grupo MC (p <0,05). O transporte do canal não foi influenciado pela curvatura do canal em todos os terços (p > 0,05). Este estudo concluiu que a curvatura do canal radicular afeta significativamente a remoção descontrolada de dentina e o volume remanescente de AHTD após a irrigação ultrassônica.

Evaluation of different methods of calcium hydroxide removal from root canals with simulated internal resorptions / Avaliação de diferentes métodos de remoção de hidróxido de cálcio de canais radiculares com reabsorções internas simuladas

Objective: This study evaluated different methods of calcium hydroxide (CH) removal from root canals with simulated internal resorptions using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Material and Methods: Sixty acrylic resin blocks with simulated root canals and internal resorptions were prepared using a Reciproc R25 file and then filled with CH. The blocks were divided into five test groups (n=12) according to the method used for CH removal: hand files (HF), Easy Clean (EC), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), XP-Endo Finisher (XP), XP-Endo Finisher + PUI (XP+PUI). The blocks were scanned using a SkyScan 1172 scanner before and after CH removal to measure the volume and percentage of CH removal. The OriginPro 2017 software was used for statistical analyses. The level of significance was set at p<0.05 for all tests. Results: No method under study removed all CH. All methods had similar results in the cervical third (P>0.05). The percentage of CH removal was significantly greater in the area of internal resorption and along the total length of the canal in the XP+PUI group (P<0.05). The best results of CH removal were found in the apical third of roots in the XP+PUI and PUI groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: No method removed all CH from the root canals, but the combined XP+PUI method removed more CH than the other methods, especially from the area of the internal resorption(AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou diferentes métodos de remoção de hidróxido de cálcio (CH) de canais radiculares com reabsorções internas simuladas por meio de microtomografia computadorizada (micro-CT). Material e Métodos: Sessenta blocos de resina acrílica com canais radiculares simulados e reabsorções internas foram preparados com lima Reciproc R25 e posteriormente preenchidos com CH. Os blocos foram divididos em cinco grupos de teste (n=12) de acordo com o método utilizado para remoção de CH: limas manuais (HF), Easy Clean (EC), irrigação ultrassônica passiva (PUI), XP-Endo Finisher (XP), XP -Endo Finalizador + PUI (XP + PUI). Os blocos foram escaneados usando um scanner SkyScan 1172 antes e depois da remoção do CH para medir o volume e a porcentagem de remoção do CH. O software OriginPro 2017 foi utilizado para análises estatísticas. O nível de significância foi estabelecido em p<0,05 para todos os testes. Resultados: Nenhum método em estudo removeu todos o CH. Todos os métodos tiveram resultados semelhantes no terço cervical (P>0,05). A porcentagem de remoção de CH foi significativamente maior na área de reabsorção interna e ao longo do comprimento total do canal no grupo XP+PUI (P<0,05). Os melhores resultados de remoção de CH foram encontrados no terço apical das raízes nos grupos XP+PUI e PUI (P>0,05). Conclusão: Nenhum método removeu todo o CH dos canais radiculares, mas o método combinado XP+PUI removeu significativamente mais CH do que os outros métodos, especialmente da área de reabsorção interna (AU)

Remoção de obturações endodônticas de Endosequence BC/CPoint em canais radiculares curvos usando instrumentos rotatórios ou reciprocantes / Removal of Endosequence BC/CPoint endodontic fillings in curved root canals using rotary or reciprocating instruments

Objetivo: O presente estudo usou micro-CT para avaliar a quantidade de material obturador remanescente em canais radiculares curvos que tinham sido obturados com cimento Endosequence BC/Cpoint ou com cimento AH/ guta-percha, depois do retratamento utilizando instrumentos rotatórios ou reciprocantes. Métodos: Sessenta canais mesiovestibulares de molares superiores foram instrumentados até MTwo #35.04. As amostras foram randomicamente alocadas em quatro grupos (n=15): os canais do G1 e G2 foram obturados com AH/guta-percha, e os canais do G3 e G4 foram obturados com BC/Cpoint. O material obturador foi removido usando instrumentos rotatórios ou reciprocantes ­ G1 e G3: R25 Reciproc + reinstrumentação com R40; e G2 e G4: Sistema ProTaper Universal Retratamento + reinstrumentação com MTwo 40.06. Micro-CTs foram usadas para medir a quantidade de material obturador remanescente (mm3 ) para o canal inteiro e para cada terço, em dois momentos: 1) após a remoção do material obturador; e 2) após a reinstrumentação. Resultados: Após a remoção do material obturador, BC/CPoint permaneceu mais dentro do canal do que AH/guta-percha quando o canal inteiro (29,92% x 19,25%, p=0,0290) e o terço apical foram analisados. Após a reinstrumentação, BC/CPoint permaneceu mais do que AH/guta-percha somente no terço apical. Protocolos de tratamento com instrumentos rotatórios ou reciprocantes removeram material obturador sem diferença para AH/guta-percha (G1 e G2: p> 0,05) e BC/CPoint (G3 e G4: p> 0,05). Conclusões: BC/Cpoint é mais difícil de ser removido de canais radiculares curvos do que AH/guta-percha. Instrumentos rotatórios e reciprocantes têm habilidade similar na remoção de material obturador (AU).

Objective: This study used micro-CT to evaluate the amount of remaining filling material in curved root canals obturated with Endosequence BC Sealer/Cpoint or AH/gutta-percha after a rotary or reciprocating retreatment. Methods: Sixty mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars were instrumented up to MTwo #35.04. Samples were randomly assigned to four groups (n=15): canals from G1 and G2 were filled with AH/gutta-percha, and canals from G3 and G4 were filled with BC/Cpoint. Filling material was removed using rotary or reciprocating instruments: G1 and G3: R25 Reciproc + re-shaping with R40; and G2 and G4: ProTaper Universal Retreatment system + re-shaping with MTwo 40.06. Micro-CT was used to measure the remaining amount of filling material (mm3 ), for the whole canal, and for each third, in two moments: 1) after filling removal and 2) after canal re-shaping. Results: After filling removal, BC/CPoint remained more into the canal than AH/Gutta-percha when the whole canal (29.92% x 19.25%, p = 0.0290) and the apical third were analyzed. After re-shaping, BC/CPoint remained more than AH/Gutta-percha only in the apical third. Rotary or reciprocating retreatment protocols removed filling material without difference for AH/gutta-percha (G1 and G2: p > 0.05) and BC/CPoint (G3 and G4: p > 0.05). Conclusion: BC/Cpoint is more difficult to be removed from curved root canals than AH/gutta-percha. Reciprocating and rotary instruments have similar ability to remove filling material (AU).

Assessment of Mechanical Root Canal Preparation with Centric Reciprocating or Eccentric Rotary Kinematics: A Micro-computed Tomographic Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare, using micro-computed tomographic imaging, the preparation of mesial canals of mandibular molars with the Reciproc (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) and XP-endo Shaper (FKG, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) systems, evaluating changes in dentin and canal volume, the percentage of untouched walls, the volume of accumulated hard tissue debris, and root canal deviation in the apical third. METHODS: Twenty-four mandibular molars with 2 mesial root canals and a single foramen were anatomically paired and divided into 2 experimental groups (n = 12) according to the system used. The specimens were scanned before and after preparation with the SkyScan 1176 microtomographic scanner (Bruker-microCT, Kontich, Belgium) at a resolution of 17.42 µm. The resulting data were statistically compared at a significance level of 5% using the Student t test and the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in the untouched surface area for the total canal and the cervical and middle thirds, with the lowest untouched surface area in the XP-endo Shaper group (P < .05). The volume of accumulated hard tissue debris was significantly higher in the Reciproc group in the total canal as well as in the middle and apical thirds. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the volume of dentin removed or the increase in canal volume and surface area (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The XP-endo Shaper touched more walls and left less accumulated hard tissue debris in the root canal system than the Reciproc group. Although the XP-endo Shaper showed superior results, neither system was able to fully prepare the root canal.

Avaliação da qualidade dos agregados leucoplaquetários / Evaluation of the quality of the leuco platelet aggregates

Objetivo ­ Avaliar a qualidade do plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) e da fibrina rica em plaquetas (PRF) obtidos através de alguns tipos de protocolos de obtenção por meio da contagem de plaquetas e leucócitos nos materiais. Métodos ­ Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de voluntários mediante aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CEP). As amostras foram centrifugadas em diferentes rotações e tempos (1300 RPM por 5 minutos, 550 RPM por 5 minutos e 550 RPM por 3 minutos). As concentrações de plaquetas e leucócitos foram avaliadas no Coulter LH 750 analyzer. Os resultados foram submetidos a análise estatística (Graph Pad Prism). Resultados ­ As dosagens de plaquetas foram significativamente maiores (p<0.0001) no protocolo de PRF centrifugado a 1300 rpm em comparação com os outros materiais, e as dosagens de leucócitos foram maiores no PRF centrifugado a 550 rpm (p<0.05). Conclusão ­ Os resultados desse trabalho sugerem que a velocidade de centrifugação, o uso de anticoagulante e o tempo de centrifugação são alguns interferentes que afetam a qualidade do material obtido impactando na diminuição do número de células presentes no material. Os resultados também apontam que o PRF apresenta maiores concentrações celulares, principalmente próximo à camada de leucócitos

Objective ­ To evaluate the quality of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) obtained through some types of protocols for obtaining platelet and leukocyte counts in the materials. Methods ­ Blood samples were collected from volunteers with the approval of the Research Ethics Committee (CEP). The samples were centrifuged at different speeds and times (1300 RPM for 5 minutes, 550 RPM for 5 minutes and 550 RPM for 3 minutes). Platelet and leukocyte concentrations were evaluated on the Coulter LH 750 analyzer. The results were subjected to statistical analysis (Graph Pad Prism). Results ­ Platelet dosages were significantly higher (p <0.0001) in the PRF protocol centrifuged at 1300 rpm compared to other materials, and leukocyte dosages were higher in PRF centrifuged at 550 rpm (p <0.05). Conclusion ­ The results of this work suggest that the centrifugation speed, the use of anticoagulant and the centrifugation time are some interferents that affect the quality of the material obtained impacting on the decrease of the number of cells present in the material. The results also point out that PRF presents higher cellular concentrations, mainly near the leukocyte layer

Internal configuration of maxillary molars in a subpopulation of Brazil's Northeast region: A CBCT analysis.

The present study aimed to evaluate the internal configuration of the maxillary molars of a population from the Northeast region of Brazil. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams from 512 patients (1501 teeth) were evaluated regarding the anatomical configuration of the root canal system, according to Vertucci's classification. The images were obtained using a Prexion 3D scanner operating at 90 kVp and 4 mA. The voxel size was 0.125 mm and the cut thickness was 1 mm. The images were then analyzed in the Prexion 3D Viewer software. The data were analyzed statistically by Pearson's chi-square test, with 5% of significance. The first and second molars presented three roots in 99.14% and 87.27% of the cases, respectively. In relation to the number of canals, the first and second molars had a significantly higher frequency of three and four root canals respectively, presenting a higher prevalence of types I and II (p < 0.001). The second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) was observed in 48.21% and 22.72% of the first and second molars, respectively (p < 0.001). The identification of the MB2 canal was greater in young and adult patients (p < 0.001), presenting a higher prevalence in male patients (p < 0.001). The internal configuration of the MB root was influenced by gender and by age, presenting a higher prevalence of the MB2 in male patients younger than 50 years of age.

Penetration of bioceramic and epoxy-resin endodontic cements into lateral canals.

The aim of the present study was to assess the penetration capacity of two endodontic cements, Endosequence BC Sealer and AH Plus, in artificial lateral canals. Twenty-six two-rooted, maxillary first premolars were instrumented to size 40.06 using K3 files. In each root, six lateral canals of two diameters (0.06 and 0.10 mm) were created with a working length of 2, 4, and 6 mm. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups according to the endodontic cement to be used (Endosequence BC Sealer and AH Plus) and obturated by the single-cone technique. The specimens were imaged by digital periapical radiography and scores from 0 to 4 were attributed according to the degree of penetration by sealers into the lateral canals. Data were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was adopted. No significant difference was observed between the two endodontic cements used to fill the simulated lateral canals (p > 0.05). The diameter of lateral canals only influenced the capacity of the Endosequence BC Sealer in filling the canals, and presented greater penetration in the lateral canals of diameter 0.10 mm (p < 0.05). We concluded that the bioceramic endodontic cement Endosequence BC Sealer presented similar ability as AH Plus to fill simulated lateral canals.

Internal configuration of maxillary molars in a subpopulation of Brazil's Northeast region: A CBCT analysis

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the internal configuration of the maxillary molars of a population from the Northeast region of Brazil. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams from 512 patients (1501 teeth) were evaluated regarding the anatomical configuration of the root canal system, according to Vertucci's classification. The images were obtained using a Prexion 3D scanner operating at 90 kVp and 4 mA. The voxel size was 0.125 mm and the cut thickness was 1 mm. The images were then analyzed in the Prexion 3D Viewer software. The data were analyzed statistically by Pearson's chi-square test, with 5% of significance. The first and second molars presented three roots in 99.14% and 87.27% of the cases, respectively. In relation to the number of canals, the first and second molars had a significantly higher frequency of three and four root canals respectively, presenting a higher prevalence of types I and II (p < 0.001). The second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) was observed in 48.21% and 22.72% of the first and second molars, respectively (p < 0.001). The identification of the MB2 canal was greater in young and adult patients (p < 0.001), presenting a higher prevalence in male patients (p < 0.001). The internal configuration of the MB root was influenced by gender and by age, presenting a higher prevalence of the MB2 in male patients younger than 50 years of age.

Nickel-titanium instruments in endodontics: a concise review of the state of the art.

The introduction of automated instrumentation in endodontics represented a major advance in progress for this specialty, with improvements in the quality and predictability of root canal preparation and a significant reduction in procedural errors. In recent years, endodontic instruments have undergone a series of changes brought about by modifications in design, surface treatments, and thermal treatments. In addition, new movements have also been incorporated to offer greater safety and efficiency, optimizing the properties of the NiTi alloy, especially through eccentric rotary motion. An understanding of the mechanical properties of these new NiTi instruments and their effect on the clinical performance of root canal preparation is essential if dental practitioners are to select the instruments that provide optimal clinical outcomes, especially in curved or flattened canals. The objective of this literature review is to present and discuss the characteristics of the NiTi alloys used in the major instrumentation systems available in the market, as well as the influence of the metallurgical and mechanical properties of NiTi instruments and the movements that drive them, to enable more accurate and predictable planning of root canal preparation.

Analysis of Demineralized Chemical Substances for Disinfecting Gutta-percha Cones.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effectiveness of 5% malic acid, 17% EDTA and 10% citric acid solutions used to disinfect gutta-percha cones contaminated by Enterococcusfaecalis (ATCC 29212). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two hundred and ten previously sterilized gutta-percha cones were contaminated with E. faecalis at concentration of 1.5×108 CFU/mL. The cones were immersed in 5% malic acid, 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid, 1% NaOCl and 2.5% NaOCl for 1, 5 and 10 min. Then each cone was kept in Eppendorf tubes containing BHI sterile solution at 37°C for 48 h. The presence of turbidity in BHI solution was analyzed. The results were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test and 5% Dunn comparisons. P-value was considered statistically significant when P<0.05. RESULTS: Regardless of exposure time, 1% NaOCl and 2.5% NaOCl were the most effective agents for rapid disinfection of gutta-percha cones (P<0.001). All specimens immersed in experimental demineralized solutions presented bacterial growth (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Demineralized solutions tested were not effective for elimination of Enterococcus faecalis on the surface of gutta-percha cones.

Micro-computed Tomography versus the Cross-sectioning Method to Evaluate Dentin Defects Induced by Different Mechanized Instrumentation Techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to compare the methods of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and cross-sectioning followed by stereomicroscopy in assessing dentinal defects after instrumentation with different mechanized systems. METHODS: Forty mesial roots of mandibular molars were scanned and divided into 4 groups (n = 10): Group R, Reciproc; Group PTN, ProTaper Next; Group WOG, WaveOne Gold; Group PDL, ProDesign Logic. After instrumentation, the roots were once again submitted to a micro-CT scan, and then sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex, and assessed for the presence of complete and incomplete dentinal defects under a stereomicroscope. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests were used in the statistical analysis. The study used a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The total number of defects observed by cross-sectioning followed by stereomicroscopy was significantly higher than that observed by micro-CT, in all of the experimental groups (P ≤ .05). All of the defects identified in the postoperative period were already present in the corresponding preoperative period. There was no significant difference among the instrumentation systems as to the median numbers of defects, for either cross-sectioning followed by stereomicroscopy or micro-CT, at all the root levels (P > .05). In the micro-CT analysis, no significant difference was found between the median numbers of pre- and postinstrumentation defects, regardless of the instrumentation system (P > .05). CONCLUSION: None of the evaluated instrumentation systems led to the formation of new dentin defects. All of the defects identified in the stereomicroscopic analysis were already present before instrumentation, or were absent at both time points in the micro-CT analysis, indicating that the formation of new defects resulted from the sectioning procedure performed before stereomicroscopy and not from instrumentation.

Presence of Voids after Continuous Wave of Condensation and Single-cone Obturation in Mandibular Molars: A Micro-computed Tomography Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to assess the presence of voids in mesial root canals of mandibular molar teeth obturated by using the single-cone (SC) and continuous wave of condensation (CWC) obturation techniques, and results were analyzed by using micro-computed tomography. METHODS: Twenty-four mandibular molars with fully developed roots and mesial root curvature ranging from 25° to 35° were instrumented by using Reciproc R25 files, and then they were obturated by using the SC and CWC techniques. Specimens were scanned before and after obturation for micro-computed tomography analysis (voxel size, 17.42 µm). After volumetric analysis and tridimensional reconstruction of the root canals, data were analyzed by using analysis of variance and the Tukey test. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the 2 techniques in terms of total percentage volume of voids: CWC = 3.91% ± 0.72%; SC = 6.52% ± 1.16% (P > .05). Only in the cervical third, CWC showed a significantly lower percentage of voids when compared with SC, namely 2.86% ± 0.94% vs 8.00% ± 1.86%, respectively (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The percentage volume of voids was similar in the 2 groups and was influenced by the obturation technique only in the cervical third.

Micro-Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Hard Tissue Debris Removal after Different Irrigation Methods and Its Influence on the Filling of Curved Canals.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and the EndoVac (EV) System (Discus Dental, Culver City, CA) in hard tissue debris removal and its influence on the quality of the root canal filling with the aid of micro-computed tomographic scanner. METHODS: Twenty-four mandibular molars were subjected to 4 microtomographic scannings (ie, before and after instrumentation, after final irrigation, and after obturation) using the SkyScan 1176 X-ray microtomograph (Bruker microCT, Kontich, Belgium) at a resolution of 17.42 µm. Mesial canals were prepared using R25 Reciproc instruments (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) and divided into 2 groups according to the final irrigation method: the PUI group (n = 12) and the EV group (n = 12). All specimens were filled with the continuous wave of condensation technique. CTAn and CTvol software (Bruker microCT) were used for volumetric analysis and 3-dimensional model reconstruction of the root canals, hard tissue debris, and the filling material. Data were statistically analyzed using the Student t test. RESULTS: Analysis of the micro-computed tomographic scans revealed debris accumulated inside the root canals, occupying an average of 3.4% of the canal's volume. Irrigation with PUI and the EV system reduced the volume of hard tissue debris in 55.55% and 53.65%, respectively, with no statistical difference between them (P > .05). Also, there was no difference among the groups with regard to the volume of filling material and voids (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: PUI and the EV system were equally efficient in the removal of hard tissue debris and the quality of root canal filling was similar in both groups, with no influence from the irrigation method.

Avaliação qualitativa e quantitativa da instrumentação e obturação de canais radiculares achatados utilizando-se microtomografia computadorizada / Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of instrumentation and obturation of flat root canals using computed microtomography

Na Endodontia, a microtomografia (CT) tem sido amplamente utilizada como método de análise tridimensional. Atualmente, três movimentos mecanizados para o preparo do canal radicular tem sido introduzidos na rotina endodôntica, oscilatório, rotatório e recíproco. Existem diferentes sistemas de limas acionadas por motores capazes de realizar esses movimentos. Sendo assim, os objetivos deste trabalho são utilizar a CT para avaliar, em canais mesiais achatados de molares inferiores, a qualidade e modelagem final de preparo do canal radicular, utilizando-se sistemas oscilatório, recíproco e rotatório e avaliar a obturação do canal radicular com cone único ou ondas contínuas de condensação, no que diz respeito ao volume de material obturador e de espaços vazios. Os resultados não mostraram diferença estatísitica significativa no volume de desgaste entre os grupos testados. Para a porcentagem de superfície não tratada os grupos oscilatório e rotatório tocaram mais paredes nos terços cervical e médio do que o grupo recíproco. A técnica de ondas contínuas de condensação e cone único apresentaram preenchimento de obturação semelhantes nos terços médio e apical, sendo que no terço cervical a técnica de ondas contínuas deixou menor porcentagem de espaços vazios...

Endodontics in the microtomography (CT) has been widely used as a method for three-dimensional analysis. Currently, three mechanized movements for root canal preparation has been introduced in endodontic, oscillatory, rotational and reciprocal routine. There are different files systems driven by motors capable of these movements. Thus, the objectives of this work are using CT to evaluate, in flattened mesial canals of mandibular molars, the quality and final modeling of root canal preparation, using oscillatory, reciprocal and rotational systems and evaluate the root canal filling with single cone or continuous waves of condensation, with respect to the volume of filling material and voids. The results showed no significant difference in estatísitica wear volume between the tested groups. For the percentage of untreated surface and the oscillating rotating groups played more walls in the cervical and middle thirds of the reciprocal group. The technique of continuous wave of condensation and single cone showed similar fillings fill in the middle and apical thirds, and in the cervical third of the technique of continuous wave left lower percentage of voids...