Based on these preliminary data, canal shaping appears to cause apical microcracks regardless of the type of rotary instrument motion. Contrast-enhanced micro-CT was able to identify microcracks in roots.

No abstract

Heat treatment of files might improve their flexibility, making them more effective for preparation of curved canals.

No abstract

This study aimed to compare the mechanical properties of differently-tapered EndoWave nickel-titanium endodontic rotary instruments (size #30/0.04 taper and #30/0.06 taper; Group 0.04 and 0.06, respectively). Torsional and bending properties were evaluated with the cyclic fatigue test and the cantilever bending test, respectively. Canal transportation was assessed following instrumentation of curved canals in resin blocks. Torque and apical force during instrumentation were determined using an automated instrumentation and torque/force analyzing device. The number of cycles to fracture was Group 0.04>Group 0.06 (p<0.05). The bending load values were Group 0.06>Group 0.04 (p<0.05). Group 0.04 better maintained the original canal shape compared with Group 0.06. The median clockwise torque value was Group 0.06>Group 0.04 (p<0.05), whereas no significant differences were detected in the median counterclockwise torque and apical force values (p>0.05). Under the present experimental condition, 0.04- and 0.06-tapered EndoWave instruments exhibited different mechanical properties.

The effects of cyclic fatigue on bending properties of NiTi endodontic instruments were investigated. Sixteen Profiles ® were divided into two groups (A, and B). The sequence of cantilever bending test and cyclic fatigue test was alternated repeatedly until file separation occurred. In the cyclic fatigue test, the instrument curvature was 19° in group A and 38° in group B. Fractographic examination was performed to determine fracture patterns. In group A, there were significant differences between the bending load values measured before the cyclic fatigue test and the last cantilever bending test before instrument fracture at each deflection (p<0.05). Fractographic examination showed the specific patterns of cyclic fatigue fracture. The stress required to induce martensitic transformation might be reduced due to the softening behavior caused by the cyclic fatigue under the relaxation condition of the superelasticity range (group A). The SEM images were able to display specific patterns indicating cyclic fatigue fracture.

No abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a post-machining thermal treatment on canal-centering ability and torque/force generation of reciprocating nickel-titanium instruments. Simulated J-shaped resin canals were prepared with reciprocating instruments sharing identical geometric architecture and with/without post-machining thermal treatment (Reciproc Blue/Reciproc, VDW, Munich, Germany). Using an original automated root canal instrumentation and torque/force analyzing device, files were operated in a combination of reciprocation and up-and-down motion, and torque/force values were monitored. Canal-centering ratios were measured after superimposition of pre-and post-instrumentation images. Compared with Reciproc, Reciproc Blue showed a significantly lower canal-centering ratio (i.e., less deviation; p<0.05) at 0-1 mm from the apex and generated a significantly smaller upward maximum vertical force (p<0.05). Under standardized conditions using the automated device, Reciproc Blue showed better canal-centering ability and reduced screw-in forces than Reciproc, indicating that the post-machining thermal treatment confers superior performance to reciprocating nickel-titanium instruments.