Patency file and apical transportation: an in vitro study

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Maintaining apical patency is crucial during root canal treatment.
• K-files are commonly used for patency maintenance.
• Evaluating the potential for apical transportation with different K-file materials is important.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the apical transportation produced by stainless steel and nickel-titanium K-files when used as patency files.
• To assess the impact of file material on apical foramen geometry.

Main Methods:

• Thirty human maxillary lateral incisors were sectioned and mounted.
• Specimens were divided into two groups: one using only stainless steel K-files, the other using a stainless steel K-file followed by nickel-titanium K-files.
• Apical transportation was evaluated using photographic slides and superimposed drawings before and after instrumentation with K-files #10, #15, #20, and #25.

Main Results:

• Apical transportation was detected in 18 out of 30 specimens (60%).
• Transportation occurred in 9 specimens (60%) in the stainless steel group and 9 specimens (60%) in the nickel-titanium group.
• There was no statistically significant difference in apical transportation between the two groups (p = 1.00).

Conclusions:

• Neither stainless steel nor nickel-titanium K-files, when used as patency files, demonstrated a statistically significant difference in causing apical foramen transportation.
• The choice between stainless steel and nickel-titanium K-files for patency maintenance may not significantly impact apical transportation based on this study.