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Root-end fracture during retropreparation: a comparison between zirconium nitride-coated and stainless steel
Stephen William Navarre1, H Robert Steiman
1Endodontic Department, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Michigan, USA.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a stainless steel (CT-5) and zirconium nitride coated (KiS) microsurgical ultrasonic instrument with regard to possible root-end fracture production during retropreparation. Forty extracted human central incisors were prepared in a crown-down fashion. Canals were obturated with gutta-percha by lateral condensation. Root-ends were resected. Teeth were placed in methylene blue for 48 h and evaluated by three independent evaluators under microscope. Teeth with existing fractures were eliminated from the study. The remaining teeth were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A was prepared with the CT-5 tip and Group B with the KiS tip. Preparation time was recorded for all roots. The teeth were again immersed in methylene blue for 48 h and reevaluated. No root-end fractures were produced by either the KiS or CT-5 microsurgical ultrasonic instruments.