Comparison of the Efficiency of Four Different Ultrasonic Tips to Remove Dentin Over Time

A Novel Methodology to Evaluate the Use of an Ultrasonic Tip

“…Previously extracted third molars were collected from the Oral Surgery Clinic at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Dentistry in accordance with previous protocols for institutional review board approval, specimen storage, and specimen preparation for testing (6,7). The BUC 1 (Obtura Spartan, Fenton, MO), found to be one of the more efficient US tips in recent publications (6,7,9), was used in this investigation.…”

“…The BUC 1 (Obtura Spartan, Fenton, MO), found to be one of the more efficient US tips in recent publications (6,7,9), was used in this investigation. The LA Axxess bur (SybronEndo, Orange, CA) was used to remove the diamond coating 3-4 mm from the cutting tip end of each (n = 10) BUC 1 US tip.…”

“…PE tips create a linear movement and produce less heat than MS units (3,5). The linear movement and less heat production make the PE unit ideal for endodontic instrumentation (6).…”

“…The few investigations that have been published on the efficiency of US tips differ in many aspects of their reported materials and methods (6)(7)(8)(9)21). Past studies have used different testing apparatuses to evaluate US tips such as a double pan balance (8,9,21) or a universal tester (6,7).…”

“…Past studies have used different testing apparatuses to evaluate US tips such as a double pan balance (8,9,21) or a universal tester (6,7). Ultrasonic tips have been evaluated on their cutting efficacy in dentin (6)(7)(8)(9) or dental stone (21) by evaluating the change in weight between instrumentation cycles. Forces in grams applied to US tips have varied and include 15 g (6, 7), 30 g (21), 40 g (9), and 60 g (8).…”