A scanning electron microscopic study to evaluate the efficacy of NaviTip FX in removing the canal debris during root canal preparation: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of NaviTip FX in removing the canal debris during root canal preparation using scanning electron microscopic study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty single rooted teeth with completely formed apices were used in this study. Standard endodontic access cavity preparations were performed. Then the teeth were randomly divided into two groups: groups 1 and 2 of 15 teeth each group. For group 1, NaviTip FX (brush covered needle) was used to irrigate the canal with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite after each instrument use. For group 2, NaviTip (brushless needle) was used for irrigation following each instrument use. ProTaper rotary files were used for the canal preparation. The teeth were then cleaned and dried before splitting them into two halves. The half with most visible part of the apex was used for scanning electron microscopic evaluation. The results were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test at significance level p < 0.005. RESULTS: The mean values for coronal and middle third of group 1 showed lower debris scores than group 2 and this difference was statistically significant at a p-value 0.01 and 0.05 respectively, but no significance difference between them at the apical third at a p-value of < 0.05. CONCLUSION: The NaviTip FX (brush covered needle) showed effectively better canal wall debris removal than the NaviTip (brushless needle).

An Analysis of Maxillary Anterior Teeth Dimensions for the Existence of Golden Proportion: Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Appearance of the face is a great concern to everyone, as it is a significant part of self-image. The study analyzed the clinical crown dimensions of the maxillary anterior teeth with respect to their apparent mesiodistal widths, width-to-height ratio to determine whether golden proportion existed among the South Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 240 dentulous subjects were chosen for the study (120 males and 120 females) age ranging between 18 and 28 years. Full face and anterior teeth images of the subjects were made on specially designed device resembling a face-bow, mounted onto the wall under a standard light source. The width and height of the maxillary central incisors were measured on the stone casts using a digital caliper. RESULTS: The mean perceived maxillary lateral incisor to central incisor width ratio was 0.67 in males and 0.703 in females. The mean perceived maxillary canine to lateral incisor width ratio was 0.744 in males and 0.714 in females. The mean width-to-height ratio of the maxillary central incisor was 79.49% in males and 79.197% in females. CONCLUSION: The golden proportion was not found between perceived mesiodistal widths of maxillary central and lateral incisors and nor between perceived mesiodistal widths of maxillary lateral incisors and canines. In the majority of subjects, the width-to-height ratio of maxillary central incisor was within 75-80%. There are no statistically significant differences in maxillary anterior teeth proportions between males and females. The results may serve as guidelines for treatment planning in restorative dentistry and periodontal surgery.

Minimal Apical Enlargement for Penetration of Irrigants to the Apical Third of Root Canal System: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine minimal apical enlargement for irrigant penetration into apical third of root canal system using scanning electron microscope (SEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Distobuccal canals of 40 freshly extracted human maxillary first molar teeth were instrumented using crown-down technique. The teeth were divided into four test groups according to size of their master apical file (MAF) (#20, #25, #30, #35 0.06% taper), and two control groups. After final irrigation, removal of debris and smear layer from the apical third of root canals was determined under a SEM. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: Smear layer removal in apical third for MAF size #30 was comparable with that of the control group (size #40). CONCLUSION: Minimal apical enlargement for penetration of irrigants to the apical third of root canal system is #30 size.