Accuracy of an endodontic rotary motor with integrated apex locator to determine the root canal length / Precisão de um motor rotatório endodôntico com localizador apical integrado para determinação do comprimento radicular

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy to determine the root canal length, in vitro,of both the electronic apex locator (M2) and the autostop (AS - M3) functions of the Endus Duo Gnatus endodontic motor (Gnatus, São Paulo, SP, Brazil). Methods: Thirty extracted human single-rooted premolars had their root canal lengths (TLs) up to the apical foramen determined using the Endus Duo Gnatus in two ways: (1) In the stainless steel (SS) control group, the measurement was obtained using a stainless steel hand instrument with the electronic locator mode (M2 function) connected to a stainless-steel hand instrument (K-file #15). In the NiTi rotary instrument (NiTi RI) intervention group, the measurement was obtained during the instrumentation (M3 function) of the root canals with a nickel-titanium rotary instrument (Hyflex CM: Coltene Whaledent, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA), size 25/.06. The NiTi manually used instrument (NiTi MUI) Intervention group performed the measurement in locator mode using a Hyflex instrument, placed to true length manually. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by the Tukey post-hoc test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The true mean length and standard deviation (SD) of the standardized root canals were 18.40 ± 2.14mm, while the mean lengths and standard deviations (SD) were 18.29 ± 1.89mm, 18.22 ± 1.85mm, and 17.24 ± 2.09mm for the SS, NiTi RI, and NiTi MUI groups, respectively. However, data from the NiTi MUI Intervention group indicated shorter root canal lengths when compared to the SS control group and the NiTi RI Intervention group values, and were significantly shorter than the true canal length (p < 0.001). Conclusions:The use of the motor in NiTi RI Intervention group showed acceptable results. However, the NiTi MUI Intervention group resulted in unacceptable short measurements.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia na determinação do comprimento do canal radicular, in vitro, das funções localizador eletrônico foraminal (M2) e auto-parada durante a instrumentação (M3) do motor endodôntico Endus Duo Gnatus ( Gnatus, São Paulo, SP, Brasil). Métodos: Trinta pré-molares humanos uniradiculares extraídos tiveram seus comprimentos de canais radiculares (CRTs) até o forame apical determinados usando o Endus Duo Gnatus de duas maneiras: (1) No grupo controle de aço inoxidável (SS), a medida foi obtida usando um instrumento manual de aço inoxidável com modo de localização eletrônica foraminal (função M2) conectado a um instrumento manual de aço inoxidável (lima tipo K #15). No grupo intervenção instrumento rotatório NiTi (NiTi RI), a medida foi obtida durante a instrumentação (função M3) dos canais radiculares com instrumento rotatório de níquel-titânio (Hyflex CM: Coltene Whaledent, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, EUA), tamanho 25/.06. O grupo de intervenção NiTi instrumento usado manualmente (NiTi MUI) realizou a medição no modo localizador foraminal usando um instrumento Hyflex, colocado manualmente no comprimento real do dente. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio de ANOVA seguida do teste post-hoc de Tukey com nível de significância de p < 0,05. Resultados: Os comprimentos reais médios dos dentes e desvios-padrão (DP) dos canais radiculares padronizados foram 18,40 ± 2,14 mm, enquanto os comprimentos médios e desvios- padrão (DP) foram 18,29 ± 1,89 mm, 18,22 ± 1,85 mm e 17,24 ± 2,09 mm para os grupos SS, NiTi RI e NiTi MUI, respectivamente. No entanto, os dados do grupo de intervenção NiTi MUI indicaram comprimentos de canais radiculares mais curtos quando comparados aos valores do grupo controle SS e do grupo de intervenção NiTi RI, e foram significativamente mais curtos que o comprimento real do canal (p < 0,001). Conclusões: A utilização do motor no grupo Intervenção NiTi RI apresentou resultados aceitáveis. No entanto, o grupo de intervenção NiTi MUI resultou em medições curtas inaceitáveis.

Evaluating the cutting efficiency of NiTi instruments with reciprocating motions / Avaliação da eficiência de corte de instrumentos NiTi com movimento reciprocante

Aim:This study tested a setup for in vitro experimental analysis of axial forces and torque during the preparation of artificial canals using nickel-titanium reciprocating endodontic files.Methods: The cutting efficiency of Reciproc (RC) and WaveOne (WO) reciprocating size 25/.08 instruments (n = 10) was evaluated, taking into account their dimensional and geometrical features. Measurements of the diameter at each millimeter from the tip, pitch length, helical angle, and cross-sectional design and area were assessed. Cutting efficiency tests were carried out on a specific bench device by measuring the torque and axial force required during artificial canal shaping. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results:The WO samples showed larger A3 mean values than did the RC instruments (p < 0.0001), despite having equal diameters at 3mm from the tip (D3) (p = 0.521). The mean values of pitch length were higher for RC than for WO instruments (p< 0.0001), with consequently smaller helical angles (p < 0.0001). For the cutting efficiency tests, the required torque was lower for the RC group when compared to the WO group, but it was significant only in the first stage of insertion in the artificial canals (p = 0.008). Regarding the apical force, the RC instruments reached higher values when compared to the WO instruments (p = 0.04) in the second stage of cutting action. Conclusion: Reciproc instruments demonstrated statistically higher cutting efficiency when compared to WaveOne instruments.

Objetivo: Este estudo testa uma configuração para análise experimental in vitro de forças axiais e torque durante o preparo de canais artificiais usando instrumentos endodônticos reciprocantes de níquel-titânio. Métodos: Foi avaliada a eficiência de corte dos instrumentos reciprocantes tamanho 25 / 0,08 (n = 10) Reciproc (RC) e WaveOne (WO), levando em consideração suas características dimensionais e geométricas. Medidas do diâmetro a cada milímetro a partir da ponta, comprimento de pitch, ângulo helicoidal e desenho da área transversal e área foram avaliados. Testes de eficiência de corte foram realizados em um dispositivo de bancada específico, medindo-se o torque e a força axial exigidos durante a modelagem de canais artificiais. A análise estatística foi feita com ANOVA one-way (α = 0,05). Resultados: As amostras de WO mostraram valores médios A3 maiores do que os instrumentos RC (p <0,0001), apesar de terem diâmetros iguais a 3 mm da ponta (D3) (p = 0,521). Os valores médios do comprimento do pitch foram maiores para o RC do que para os instrumentos do WO (p < 0,0001), com consequentemente menores ângulos helicoidais (p < 0,0001). Para os testes de eficiência de corte, o torque necessário foi menor para o grupo RC em comparação com o grupo WO, mas significativo apenas no primeiro estágio de inserção nos canais artificiais (p = 0,008). Em relação à força apical, os instrumentos RC alcançaram valores maiores em relação aos instrumentos WO (p = 0,04) no segundo estágio de corte. Conclusão: Os instrumentos Reciproc demonstraram uma eficiência de corte estatisticamente superior em comparação com os instrumentos WaveOne.

Influence of Cyclic Flexural Deformation on the Torsional Resistance of Controlled Memory and Conventional Nickel-titanium Instruments.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cyclic deformation on the torsional resistance of controlled memory (CM) nickel-titanium files in comparison with superelastic (SE) instruments with similar geometric and dimensional characteristics. METHODS: New 30/.06 HyFlex (HF; Coltene/Whaledent, Inc, Cuyahoga Falls, OH), Typhoon (Clinician's Choice Dental Products, New Milford, CT), RaCe (FKG, La-Chaux De Fonds, Switzerland), and ProTaper Universal F2 instruments (F2; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were assessed. The diameter and pitch length were measured along the active part of the instruments. The number of cycles to failure (Nf) in flexural fatigue and the torsional resistance were evaluated for new files (n = 10). Ten new instruments of each type were fatigued to 3/4 of their fatigue life and then submitted to torsion until rupture. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance (α = .05). RESULTS: New CM files had a significantly higher Nf when compared with SE instruments; HF exhibited the highest value (P = .001). The mean torque value for F2 was the highest (P = .001). CM files precycled to 3/4 Nf had a significantly lower torque than the new files (HF: P = .003, Typhoon: P = .001), whereas the SE instruments displayed no significant differences (F2: P = .059, RaCe: P = .079). CONCLUSIONS: Cyclic flexural loading significantly reduced the torsional resistance of CM instruments.

The impact of clinical use on the torsional behavior of Reciproc and WaveOne instruments.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of clinical use, in vivo, on the torsional behavior of Reciproc and WaveOne instruments considering the possibility that they degraded with use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Diameter at each millimeter, pitch length, and area at 3 mm from the tip were determined for both types of instruments. Twenty-four instruments, size 25, 0.08 taper, of each system were divided into two groups (n=12 each): Control Group (CG), in which new Reciproc (RC) and WaveOne Primary (WO) instruments were tested in torsion until rupture based on ISO 3630-1; and Experimental Group (EG), in which each new instrument was clinically used to clean and shape the root canals of one molar. After clinical use, the instruments were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy and subsequently tested in torsion until fracture. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance at a=.05. RESULTS: WO instruments showed significantly higher mean values of cross-sectional area A3 (P=0.000) and smaller pitch lengths than RC instruments with no statistically significant differences in the diameter at D3 (P=0.521). No significant differences in torsional resistance between the RC and WO new instruments (P=0.134) were found. The clinical use resulted in a tendency of reduction in the maximum torque of the analyzed instruments but no statistically significant difference was observed between them (P=0.327). During the preparation of the root canals, two fractured RC instruments and longitudinal and transversal cracks in RC and WO instruments were observed through SEM analysis. CONCLUSION: After clinical use, no statistically significant reduction in the torsional resistance was observed.

The impact of clinical use on the torsional behavior of Reciproc and WaveOne instruments

ABSTRACT Torsional overload is a fracture representative parameter for instruments in single-file techniques. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the influence of clinical use, in vivo, on the torsional behavior of Reciproc and WaveOne instruments considering the possibility that they degraded with use. Material and Methods Diameter at each millimeter, pitch length, and area at 3 mm from the tip were determined for both types of instruments. Twenty-four instruments, size 25, 0.08 taper, of each system were divided into two groups (n=12 each): Control Group (CG), in which new Reciproc (RC) and WaveOne Primary (WO) instruments were tested in torsion until rupture based on ISO 3630-1; and Experimental Group (EG), in which each new instrument was clinically used to clean and shape the root canals of one molar. After clinical use, the instruments were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy and subsequently tested in torsion until fracture. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance at a=.05. Results WO instruments showed significantly higher mean values of cross-sectional area A3 (P=0.000) and smaller pitch lengths than RC instruments with no statistically significant differences in the diameter at D3 (P=0.521). No significant differences in torsional resistance between the RC and WO new instruments (P=0.134) were found. The clinical use resulted in a tendency of reduction in the maximum torque of the analyzed instruments but no statistically significant difference was observed between them (P=0.327). During the preparation of the root canals, two fractured RC instruments and longitudinal and transversal cracks in RC and WO instruments were observed through SEM analysis. Conclusion After clinical use, no statistically significant reduction in the torsional resistance was observed.

Effects of R-Phase on Mechanical Responses of a Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Instrument: Structural Characterization and Finite Element Analysis.

The effects of the presence of the R-phase in a near-equiatomic NiTi alloy on the mechanical responses of an endodontic instrument were studied by using finite element analysis. The input data for the constitutive model in the simulation were obtained by tensile testing of three NiTi wires: superelastic austenite NiTi, austenite + R-phase NiTi, and fully R-phased NiTi. The wires were also characterized by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. A commercially available endodontic instrument was scanned using microcomputed tomography, and the resulting images were used to build the geometrical model. The numerical analyses were performed in ABAQUS using load and boundary conditions based on the ISO 3630-1 specification for the bending and torsion of endodontic instruments. The modeled instrument containing only R-phase demanded the lowest moment to be bent, followed by the one with mixed austenite + R-phase. The superelastic instrument, containing essentially austenite, required the highest bending moment. During bending, the fully R-phased instrument reached the lowest stress values; however, it also experienced the highest angular deflection when subjected to torsion. In summary, this simulation showed that NiTi endodontic instruments containing only R-phase in their microstructure would show higher flexibility without compromising their performance under torsion.

Constant Insertion Rate Methodology for Measuring Torque and Apical Force in 3 Nickel-Titanium Instruments with Different Cross-sectional Designs.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cutting characteristics of 3 nickel-titanium instruments with different cross-sectional designs using a recently developed methodology. METHODS: Insertion tests at a constant rate of 5.4 mm/min were performed on a bench test device by measuring the torque and apical force required for penetrating prefabricated acrylic blocks containing an artificial canal preflared with #10 and #15 K-files. Size 20/.06 Mtwo (VDW, Munich, Germany) and RaCe (FKG, La-Chaux De Fonds, Switzerland) instruments, together with ProTaper Universal (PTU) F1 instruments (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) (10 instruments of each type), were tested using an endodontic motor set at 300 rpm and 5 N·cm. The instruments were characterized with respect to the pitch length, rake angle, and cross-sectional area. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The torque was significantly lower for Mtwo compared with the other 2 groups (P < .05). It was also lower for RaCe in comparison with PTU F1 (P < .05). Regarding the apical force, the RaCe instruments had lower values when compared with the Mtwo and PTU F1 instruments (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the PTU F1 and Mtwo instruments (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The methodology allowed the cutting properties of the instruments to be assessed in terms of their different geometric characteristics. The cross-sectional design, especially in Mtwo instruments with 2 sharp edges and great chip removal capability, was a differential factor for their higher cutting action.

Behavior of nickel-titanium instruments manufactured with different thermal treatments.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate if nickel-titanium instruments with similar designs manufactured by different thermal treatments would exhibit significantly different in vitro behavior. METHODS: Thirty-six instruments each of ProTaper Universal (PTU F1; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), ProFile Vortex (PV; Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK), Vortex Blue (VB, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties), and TYPHOON Infinite Flex NiTi (TYP; Clinician's Choice Dental Products, New Milford, CT) (all size 25/.06) were evaluated. Bending resistance, torsion at failure, and dynamic torsional tests were performed with the instruments (n = 12). Analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc tests were applied. RESULTS: Flexibility was significantly higher for TYP compared with the other 3 groups (P < .0001). With respect to the maximum torque at failure, PV group showed the highest resistance to twisting (torsional strength) among the analyzed instruments followed by VB, TYP, and PTU. The TYP group exhibited greater angular deflection at failure compared with the other groups (P < .0001). The mean dynamic torque scores during simulated canal preparation were highest for TYP (3.01 ± 0.71 Ncm) and lowest for PV (1.62 ± 0.79 Ncm). However, no significant differences were observed comparing groups PTU with TYP and VB and VB with PV (P > .05). The highest mean forces were recorded with PTU (7.02 ± 2.36 N) and the lowest with TYP (1.22 ± 0.40 N). CONCLUSIONS: TYP instruments were significantly more flexible than the other instruments tested. The PV group had the highest torsional strength and TYP, despite being the most flexible, showed similar torsional moments to the other instruments, whereas its angular deflection was the highest among the groups.

Resistência à fadiga de instrumentos rotatórios ProTaper Universal após o uso com e sem movimento de pressão lateral / Fatigue resistance of rotary ProTaper Universal instruments after use with and without lateral pressure motion

Objetivo: Avaliar a resistência à fadiga de instrumentos rotatórios ProTaper Universal após múltiplos usos clínicos com e sem movimento de pressão lateral. Material e Métodos: Trinta conjuntos de instrumentos ProTaper Universal (PTU) (Dentsply-Maillefer, Ballaigues, Suíça), calibres S1, S2, F1 e F2, em um total de 120 instrumentos, foram analisados e divididos em três grupos: Grupo com Pressão Lateral (PL), com 10 conjuntos de instrumentos, cada conjunto usado clinicamente em cinco molares inferiores e superiores (15 a 20 canais) utilizando os instrumentos de formatação com movimento de pressão lateral; e Grupo Sem Pressão Lateral (SPL), com 10 conjuntos de instrumentos, cada conjunto usado clinicamente em cinco molares inferiores e superiores (15 a 20 canais), utilizando os instrumentos de formatação sem movimento de pressão lateral. Os instrumentos dos grupos PL e SPL foram posteriormente testados em fadiga até a ruptura, juntamente com 10 conjuntos de instrumentos novos do Grupo Controle (GC). Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise de variância (α = 0,05). Resultados: Múltiplos usos clínicos causaram uma redução na vida em fadiga dos instrumentos analisados. Quando o efeito de se utilizar o movimento de pressão lateral com os instrumentos de formatação foi avaliado, houve uma tendência para o consumo da vida em fadiga ser maior para os instrumentos de S1 e S2 em PL e observou-se o mesmo para os instrumentos F1 e F2 no grupo SPL. Conclusão: O uso do movimento de pressão lateral com os instrumentos PTU S1 e S2 durante a formação de canais radiculares curvos tendeu a diminuir o consumo de vida em fadiga dos instrumentos F1 e F2. Descritores: Endodontia. Tratamento do canal radicular. Instrumentos odontológicos.

Comparison of the mechanical behavior between controlled memory and superelastic nickel-titanium files via finite element analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the flexibility and torsional stiffness of a controlled memory (CM) nickel-titanium (NiTi) file and compare its mechanical responses with those of a superelastic NiTi file with the same geometry using finite element simulation. METHODS: A commercially available instrument with a tip size of 30 and a 0.06 taper was selected for this study. The geometric model for finite element analysis was generated by micro-computed tomographic scanning, and the data for the constitutive model of controlled memory NiTi were obtained from the literature. The numeric analysis was performed in ABAQUS (SIMULIA, Providence, RI) with boundary conditions that were based on the ISO 3630-1 specification. RESULTS: The CM NiTi file exhibited the least bending moment and maximum stress value (523 MPa) under 45° bending simulation. However, the least torsional stiffness was calculated for this same instrument. CONCLUSIONS: The higher flexibility and potential fatigue resistance of the CM NiTi files were confirmed, indicating that this new technology represents an improvement in the mechanical behavior of the rotary NiTi files.

Cleaning the apical third of curved canals after different irrigation protocols.

This study evaluated the protocols of sonic and vacuum irrigation regarding the capacity of debris removal from root canal systems. Canal preparations were carried out on 30 mandibular first molars using the ProTaper Universal System. Teeth were divided into two experimental groups (n=15): Group 1: sonic irrigation and Group 2: vacuum irrigation protocol. Subsequently, the mesial roots were sectioned and observed by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Three independent examiners evaluated images of the apical thirds according to the following scores: 1= small presence of debris, 2= moderate presence of debris, and 3= dense presence of debris. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α=0.05). Comparison among the groups revealed that at the apical third, the root halves of Group 1 had significantly less surface debris (p=0.002) than those of Group 2. However, at 2 mm from the working length, Group 2's specimens showed less remaining debris in approximately 75% of the analyzed root canals. At the whole apical third, the sonic irrigation protocol removed significantly more debris than the vacuum protocol. However, in the region at 2 mm from the working length, the second irrigation method demonstrated a better performance.

An analytical mechanical model to describe the response of NiTi rotary endodontic files in a curved root canal.

AIM: To build a mathematical model describing the mechanical behavior of NiTi rotary files while they are rotating in a root canal. METHODOLOGY: The file was seen as a beam undergoing large transformations. The instrument was assumed to be rotating steadily in the root canal, and the geometry of the canal was considered as a known parameter of the problem. The formulae of large transformations mechanics then allowed the calculation of the Green-Lagrange strain field in the file. The non-linear mechanical behavior of NiTi was modeled as a continuous piecewise linear function, assuming that the material did not reach plastic deformation. Criteria locating the changes of behavior of NiTi were established and the tension field in the file, and the external efforts applied on it were calculated. The unknown variable of torsion was deduced from the equilibrium equation system using a Coulomb contact law which solved the problem on a cycle of rotation. RESULTS: In order to verify that the model described well reality, three-point bending experiments were managed on superelastic NiTi wires, whose results were compared to the theoretical ones. It appeared that the model gave a good mentoring of the empirical results in the range of bending angles that interested us. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the geometry of the root canal, one is now able to write the equations of the strain and stress fields in the endodontic instrument, and to quantify the impact of each macroscopic parameter of the problem on its response. This should be useful to predict failure of the files under rotating bending fatigue, and to optimize the geometry of the files.

Cleaning the apical third of curved canals after different irrigation protocols

This study evaluated the protocols of sonic and vacuum irrigation regarding the capacity of debris removal from root canal systems. Canal preparations were carried out on 30 mandibular first molars using the ProTaper Universal System. Teeth were divided into two experimental groups (n=15): Group 1: sonic irrigation and Group 2: vacuum irrigation protocol. Subsequently, the mesial roots were sectioned and observed by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Three independent examiners evaluated images of the apical thirds according to the following scores: 1= small presence of debris, 2= moderate presence of debris, and 3= dense presence of debris. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α=0.05). Comparison among the groups revealed that at the apical third, the root halves of Group 1 had significantly less surface debris (p=0.002) than those of Group 2. However, at 2 mm from the working length, Group 2's specimens showed less remaining debris in approximately 75% of the analyzed root canals. At the whole apical third, the sonic irrigation protocol removed significantly more debris than the vacuum protocol. However, in the region at 2 mm from the working length, the second irrigation method demonstrated a better performance.

Este estudo avaliou protocolos de irrigação sônica e a vácuo em relação à capacidade de remoção de debris do sistema de canais radiculares. Trinta primeiros molares mandibulares tiveram seus canais radiculares preparados pela utilização do Sistema ProTaper Universal. Os dentes foram divididos em dois grupos experimentais (n=15): Grupo 1: protocolo de irrigação sônica, e Grupo 2: protocolo de irrigação a vácuo. Posteriormente, as raízes mesiais foram seccionadas e observadas em lupa estereoscópica e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Três examinadores independentes avaliaram as imagens do terço apical de acordo com as seguintes pontuações: 1. pequena presença de debris; 2: moderada presença de debris; e 3. densa presença de debris. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes estatísticos ANOVA e Kruskal-Wallis (α=0,05). A comparação entre os grupos revelou que, no terço apical, as hemissecções radiculares do Grupo 1 apresentaram debris remanescentes de forma significativamente menor (p=0,002) do que as do Grupo 2. No entanto, a 2 mm do comprimento de trabalho, as amostras do Grupo 2 mostraram menos debris remanescentes em aproximadamente 75% dos canais radiculares analisados. Considerando todo o terço apical, o protocolo de irrigação sônica removeu significativamente mais debris do que o protocolo de irrigação a vácuo. No entanto, na região a 2 mm do comprimento de trabalho, o segundo método de irrigação demonstrou um melhor desempenho.

Geometric and dimensional characteristics of simulated curved canals prepared with proTaper instruments.

OBJECTIVE: This study identified which regions of ProTaper instruments work during curved root canal instrumentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve ProTaper instruments of each type, S1, S2, F1, and F2, were assessed morphometrically by measuring tip angle, tip length, tip diameter, length of each pitch along the cutting blades, and instrument diameter at each millimeter from the tip. Curved canals in resin blocks were explored with manual stainless steel files and prepared with ProTaper instruments until the apical end following four distinct sequences of instrumentation: S1; S1 and S2; S1, S2, and F1; S1, S2, F1, and F2. Image analysis was employed for measuring canal diameters. The diameters of the canals and diameters of the instruments were compared. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the canals and instrument diameters (p>0.05). The largest diameters in the end-point of the instrumented canals were obtained with F1 and F2 instruments and in the initial and middle thirds with S1 and S2 instruments. CONCLUSIONS: All instruments worked at the tip and along their cutting blades, being susceptible to fail by torsion, fatigue, or the combination of these two mechanisms.

Flexural fatigue and torsional resistance of ProFile GT and ProFile GT series X instruments.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the flexural fatigue and torsional resistance of ProFile GT and GT Series X instruments, taking into account their structural and dimensional characteristics. METHODS: Instrument diameter at each millimeter from the tip and pitch length were the dimensional parameters measured. Chemical composition was determined by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and phase constitution by x-ray diffraction. Vickers microhardness measurements were performed to assess instrument strength. One group of 20/.06 GT and GTX instruments (n = 10 each) was tested until failure in a flexural fatigue test device, whereas another group of 20/.04 files (n = 10 each) was tested in torsion based on ISO 3630-1. RESULTS: GT and GTX instruments showed approximately the same chemical composition, namely 51at%Ni-49at%Ti (56wt%Ni-44wt%Ti) and contained mainly the beta-phase. GTX instruments showed higher intensity x-ray diffraction peaks and a statistically higher Vickers microhardness. There was a significant decrease in the diameter of GTX in relation to GT instruments from D6 to D9 for 20/.04 instruments and from D4 to D7 for 20/.06 instruments. Pitch length increased along the active part of both instruments, with a steeper increase in GTX. In general, GT Series X instruments were significantly more resistant to flexural fatigue than were similar GT instruments (p < 0.001) but exhibited lower torsional strength (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Different structural and dimensional characteristics were found in GTX instruments in comparison with GT instruments; this is probably the cause for their higher flexural fatigue resistance and lower torsional strength.

Geometric and dimensional characteristics of simulated curved canals prepared with proTaper instruments

OBJECTIVE: This study identified which regions of ProTaper instruments work during curved root canal instrumentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve ProTaper instruments of each type, S1, S2, F1, and F2, were assessed morphometrically by measuring tip angle, tip length, tip diameter, length of each pitch along the cutting blades, and instrument diameter at each millimeter from the tip. Curved canals in resin blocks were explored with manual stainless steel files and prepared with ProTaper instruments until the apical end following four distinct sequences of instrumentation: S1; S1 and S2; S1, S2, and F1; S1, S2, F1, and F2. Image analysis was employed for measuring canal diameters. The diameters of the canals and diameters of the instruments were compared. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the canals and instrument diameters (p>0.05). The largest diameters in the end-point of the instrumented canals were obtained with F1 and F2 instruments and in the initial and middle thirds with S1 and S2 instruments. CONCLUSIONS: All instruments worked at the tip and along their cutting blades, being susceptible to fail by torsion, fatigue, or the combination of these two mechanisms.

Resistência à fadiga e comportamento em torção de instrumentos endodônticos de NiTi ProFile / Resistance to metal fatigue and behaviour under torsion of NiTi alloy ProFile endodontic instruments

Neste trabalho foi realizado um estudo da resistência à fadiga e do comportamento em torção de instrumentos endodônticos de NiTi acionados a motor. Foram analisados os instrumentos ProFile 20/.04, 25/.04, 30/.04, 20/.06, 25/.06 e 30/.06 nas seguintes condições: Grupo Controle 01, constituído de 10 instrumentos de cada tipo sem uso, ensaiados até a ruptura em fadiga, utilizando um dispositivo de bancada com canal artificial de aço ferramenta temperado, com raio de curvatura de 5mm e ângulo de curvatura de 45°; Grupo Experimental 01, com 15 instrumentos de cada tipo, utilizados na prática clínica para limpeza e formatação de 10 canais radiculares curvos de molares humanos; Grupo de controle 02, com 10 instrumentos de cada tipo sem uso, ensaiados até a ruptura em torção, conforme a Especificação N° 28 da American Dental Association - ADA. Grupos Experimentais 02 e 03, com 10 instrumentos de cada tipo por grupo, previamente submetidos à deformação cíclica, em condições de laboratório, até 1/2 e 3/4 de sua vida em fadiga e, em seguida, ensaiados até a ruptura em torção. A análise dos resultados mostrou que a resistência à fadiga dos instrumentos ProFile, medida pelo número de ciclos até a fratura, varia inversamente com amplitude máxima de deformação. Além disso, o emprego dos instrumentos na formatação de 10 canais radiculares curvos reduz em mais de 50 por cento sua vida em fadiga. Foi também observado quem a fadiga dos instrumentos até 1/2 e 3/4 de sua vida útil reduz sua resitência em torção em até 29 e 32 por cento, respectivamente. A análise das superfícies de fratura mostrou características de fratura dúctil (dimples), com a região fibrosa abrangendo quase toda a superfície de fratura, e pequenas áreas lisas, restritas à periferia, com estrias de fadiga. Observou-se ainda a presença de múltiplas trincas secundárias, cuja nucleação, provavelmente associada à alta densidade de interfaces e imperfeições estruturais da martensita, pode proporcionar um modo eficiente de dissipação de energia, constituindo, assim, o principal mecanismo responsável pela lenta propagação de trincas de fadigas na ligas NiTi

Desvio apical de canais radiculares com limas de níquel-titânio acionadas a motor e manuais de aço inoxidável / Lateral deviations in root canals using rotatory nickel-titanium instruments and hand stainless steel files

O propósito deste estudo foi investigar a manutençäo do trajeto original do canal, quando formatado com instrumentos de NiTi ProFile .04 Série 29 acionados a motor e limas tipo K de aço inoxidável. O tempo gasto também foi avaliado. Foram selecionadas as raízes mesiais de 32 molares inferiores humanos, com curvatura variando entre 26§ e 40§. Trinta e dois canais (16MV e 16ML) foram formatados com instrumentos de NiTi acionados a motor, a os 32 restantes (16MV e 16ML) com limas manuais de aço inoxidável. A manutençäo do trajeto original do canal foi determinada pela sobreposiçäo das radiograias de odontometria e pós-formataçäo (instrumento no CT) para examinar o desvio. A incidência de desvio, durante a instrumentaçäo, näo foi diferente estatisticamente entre os dois grupos. Entretanto, em relaçäo ao tempo, os instrumentos de NiTi acionados a motor foram significativamente mais rápidos que os de aço inoxidável. Ocorreram duas fraturas e uma deformaçäo de limas ProFile .04 Série 29

Experimental root canal infections in conventional and germ-free mice / Infecções experimentais em canal radicular de ratos convencionais e livres de micróbios

A small animal model was evaluated to study the interrelationships between microorganisms after their implantation in root canals (inferior central incisors) using germ-free (GF) and conventional (CV) mice. The selected microorganisms were: Porphyromonas endodontalis (ATCC 35406), Eubacterium lentum (ATCC 25559), Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (ATCC 27337), Fusobacterium nucleatum (ATCC 10953), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 4083). Only P. anaerobius, E. coli, and E. faecalis, respectively, were able to colonize when inoculated alone into the root canal of both CV and GF mice. E. lentum, when inoculated alone colonized only in CV animals. P. endodontalis and F. nucleatum were unable to colonize in CV and GF animals after single inoculation...

Apectos anatomo-fisiológicos da dor dento-pulpar / Anatomic-physiological aspects of pulp and dentinal pain

Durante anos, a dor foi considerada uma sensação desagradável causada por estímulos nocivos ou não nocivos. Atualmente, ela pode ser conceituada como um fenômeno psicológico. O conhecimento da inervação dentinária, suprimento sanguíneo pulpar, bem como as relações entre estes dois fatores tem trazido uma melhor compreensão da entidade «dor¼ na clínica odontológica