The effect of root canal morphology on canal shape following instrumentation using different techniques

The objective of this study was to evaluate the shaping characteristics of different root canal instruments in teeth with different root canal forms. A total of 420 extracted human roots were embedded in resin blocks. The embedded roots were divided into three groups, i.e., roots with (i) straight (I form), (ii) apically curved (J form), and (iii) entirely curved canals (C form) with reference to the Schneider's angle and the length of the radius of arc of the curvature of the root canals. Each of the three groups containing 140 roots were randomly divided into seven subgroups prior to preparation. The canals were enlarged manually with traditional and flexible hand instruments, three different engine driven instruments and sonically and ultrasonically powered instruments. The shortcomings of the seven preparation methods were assessed by superimposition of projected radiographs taken in bucco-lingual and mesio-distal views before and after preparation. Results showed that observation of perforation, incidence of elbow and of asymmetrical preparation of the root canals depended on root canal configuration. It was striking that the coronal transposition of the apical stop, uneven wall contour, ledge formation and incidence of zip were independent of root canal morphology. Evaluation of data of asymmetry of preparation (canal transposition) revealed significant differences (p < 0.05). Asymmetry of preparation was the most frequent aberration of the prepared root canals and it was possible to study it with precision. It was concluded that this measurement should be a priority for future instrument testing. The shaping characteristics of hand and engine driven instruments was modified by root canal morphology, but that of sonic and ultrasonic instruments was less dependent on the original anatomical form of root canals.