Root Canal Preparation of Maxillary Molars With the Self-adjusting File: A Micro-computed Tomography Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to describe the canal shaping properties of a novel nickel-titanium instrument, the self-adjusting file (SAF), in maxillary molars. METHODS: Twenty maxillary molars were scanned by using micro-computed tomography at 20-m resolution. Canals were shaped with the SAF, which was operated with continuous irrigation in a handpiece that provided an in-and-out vibrating movement. Changes in canal volumes, surface areas, and cross-sectional geometry were compared with preoperative values. Canal transportation and the fraction of unprepared canal surface area were also determined. Data were normally distributed and compared by analyses of variance. RESULTS: Preoperatively, mean canal volumes were 2.88 ± 1.32, 1.50 ± 0.99, and 4.30 ± 1.89 m(3) [corrected] for mesiobuccal (MB), distobuccal (DB), and palatal (P) canals, respectively; these values were statistically similar to earlier studies with the same protocol. Volumes and surface areas increased significantly in MB, DB, and P canals; mean canal transportation scores in the apical and middle root canal thirds ranged between 31 and 89 m. Mean unprepared surfaces were 25.8% ± 12.4%, 22.1% ± 12.0%, and 25.2% ± 11.3% in MB, DB, and P canals, respectively (P > .05) when assessed at high resolution. CONCLUSIONS: By using SAF instruments in vitro, canals in maxillary molars were homogenously and circumferentially prepared with little canal transportation.

The Effect of Sodium Hypochlorite and Chlorhexidine as Irrigant Solutions for Root Canal Disinfection: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

“…The anatomical complexity of root canals found in molars is a challenge for root disinfection since microorganisms can be hidden in the canal niches. The anatomical and morphological complexities of root canal systems represented by isthmus, lateral canals and curvatures are significant challenges for effective root canal disinfection (37,38).…”

Efficacy of self-adjusting file and passive ultrasonic irrigation on removing calcium hydroxide from root canals

“…It operates in a transline (in-and-out) vibrating motion, and coupled with the abrasive surface of the lattice threads, promotes a uniform removal of dentin 12) . Peters and Paque 13) also showed that the SAF system is capable of touching all the canal walls. However, to date, no studies have evaluated the CH removal ability of the SAF system and compared the results with other removal methods.…”

Root Canal Morphology and Configuration of 179 Maxillary First Molars by Means of Micro–computed Tomography: An Ex Vivo Study

“…Root canal anatomy has been described and controversially discussed in literature (3). Nowadays, micro-computed tomography (µCT) combined together with a rendering software allows the imaging and three-dimensional analysis of tooth structures (5,(8)(9)(10)(11)(12). High resolution µCT not only provides a comprehensive analysis of the endodontic morphology, but it gives additional minute information of the root canal system complexity (4,8,13,14).…”