A comparison of two nickel-titanium instrumentation techniques in teeth using microcomputed tomography

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments have revolutionized endodontic procedures.
• Optimizing root canal shaping is crucial for successful endodontic treatment outcomes.
• Microcomputed tomography (MCT) offers advanced visualization for assessing root canal morphology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of two NiTi instrumentation techniques in shaping root canals.
• To evaluate dentine removal, canal transportation, and centering using microcomputed tomography (MCT).
• To assess the qualitative aspects of root canal preparations generated by each technique.

Main Methods:

• Ten mandibular first molars were scanned using MCT before and after instrumentation.
• Root canals were shaped using either NiTiFlex hand files or ProFile 0.04 taper rotary instruments.
• Dentine removal, transportation, and centering were quantified at specific apical levels; 3D renderings assessed preparation quality.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were observed between the NiTiFlex hand file and ProFile rotary instrument groups for any tested variable.
• Both instrumentation techniques resulted in comparable amounts of dentine removal and canal shaping.
• Qualitative assessment using 3D images indicated similar preparation quality for both methods.

Conclusions:

• Both NiTiFlex hand files and ProFile 0.04 taper instruments effectively shape root canals.
• The tested instrumentation techniques produce well-centered and tapered preparations.
• The choice between these NiTi techniques may depend on factors beyond shaping efficiency, such as clinician preference or cost.