Background The prevalence of radicular defects after root canal instrumentation is unresolved. This study used micro‐CT to assess the relationship between the formation of radicular defects and chemo‐mechanical instrumentation in a cadaver model. Methods Maxillary and mandibular molars (n = 24) were sectioned from cadaver specimens as a tissue block containing the teeth, alveolar bone and attached mucogingival tissues. After a baseline micro‐CT scan (13.45 μm), the specimens were distributed into 3 groups (n = 8 molars): Reciproc®, ProTaper Next™ and Mtwo®. Micro‐CT scans of each specimen were obtained after access, glide path and preparation with each instrument. The pre‐operative and final post‐operative micro‐CT cross‐sectional images of the roots were screened by two blinded examiners to identify any pre‐existing and new radicular defects. Pre‐existing and new radicular defects were examined histologically. Results Overall, 16 pre‐existing radicular defects were identified in 12 of the 24 molars (50%). Most of these were cemental tears (87.5%), and not true dentinal microcracks. New dentinal microcracks were observed in the post‐operative micro‐CT scans of only 3 canals (3.9%; 3/77). However, only one of these defects was found to be present histologically. Conclusions Within the limitations of the study, chemo‐mechanical instrumentation did not routinely promote the formation of radicular defects.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.