This study investigated root number and canal configurations, including morphological variations, of mandibular first molars in a subpopulation of South Africans. Methods: Two calibrated examiners retrospectively evaluated 371 mandibular first molars by using high-resolution cone-beam CT images and the Vertucci classification system with the additions of Sert and Bayirli. Internal and external configurations were recorded, and correlations of sex and age with root number and canal configuration were determined with the chi-square and Fisher exact tests (P < 0.05). Results: Among mandibular first molars, 0.3% were single-rooted, 98.7% were two-rooted, and 1% were three-rooted. The most frequent configuration was Vertucci Type IV in mesial roots and Vertucci Type I in distal roots. Middle mesial canals were found in 20% and middle-distal canals in 7% of samples. The prevalence of third canals increased in mesial and distal roots as age increased (P > 0.05). Canal configuration and sex were not correlated (P > 0.05). Conclusion:Mandibular first molars exhibited diverse anatomic characteristics in this subpopulation. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of additional canals in mandibular first molars, as treatment outcomes may be worse if canals are left untreated.

Background: The concept of single-use of endodontic files remains controversial in the published literature. The extent and attitudes concerning the single-use of endodontic hand files is currently unknown in many countries. Aim: The prevalence and perceptions regarding the single-use of endodontic files was investigated in this descriptive observational study. Methods: A questionnaire regarding the perceptions and usage protocols of endodontic files was developed. Twentyseven South African dental practices were included in this study. Participation was voluntary. Results: None of the respondents reported single-use of endodontic hand files. Several decontamination methods were used by the respondents for reprocessing endodontic files. Discussion: Financial constraints were reported as the primary reason for the reuse of endodontic files. As no standardised method of reprocessing these instruments exists for South Africa, written guidelines on this subject should be developed.

INTRODUCTION: In many countries, endodontic files continue to be sterilised and reused in multiple clinical cases as the alternative of single-use of these instruments is avoided due to financial reasons. METHODS: A survey was performed including South African general dental practitioners and specialist prosthodontists to determine the current endodontic file sterilisation methods in place and the adoption rate of single-use protocols of both hand and engine-driven instruments. RESULTS: The majority of respondents (76.6%, n=141/184) indicated autoclaving endodontic files prior to reuse. Almost a quarter of the respondents (23.4%, (n=43/184) used only cold sterilisation. Some respondents (2,8%, n=5/181) indicated not sterilising their files at all. A low number of respondents had adopted the single-use of endodontic hand files (10.9%, n=20/184). Engine-driven files were used only once and discarded by 18.5% (n=34/184) of respondents. CONCLUSION: It appears that, at times, acceptable infection prevention and control practices regarding the sterilisation these instruments are not necessarily being adhered to. The adoption of single-use protocols of endodontic files in a South African dental setting is higher than previously reported. Keywords: Endodontic files, single-use, sterilisation, survey.

Introduction: The risk of cross-contamination validates the need to assess how adequately dental instruments can be cleaned and sterilised. aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate residual debris contamination of endodontic hand files collected from private practice following routine reprocessing procedures. Design: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Methods: Clinically used and reprocessed endodontic hand files were collected from 27 dental practices. Information regarding the routine decontamination procedures of each practice was also submitted. The endodontic files were assessed by two previously calibrated examiners using a stereomicroscope and were scored for the presence or absence of remnant debris using a modified scoring system. Statistical evaluation of the data estimated the frequency and proportions of debris in each scoring position. Cohen's Kappa statistic assessed inter-examiner agreement and groups were compared using Fisher's Exact test. results: In total, 401 endodontic hand files were examined. Debris was found on 94% of files. Interexaminer agreement was fair to moderate over the entire dataset. Group B was found to contain significantly less debris than the other groups conclusion: Routine decontamination methods used in general dental practice do not effectively remove debris from endodontic hand files.

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