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Root-canal preparation with FlexMaster: canal shapes analysed by micro-computed tomography
W Hübscher1, F Barbakow, O A Peters
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, Division of Endodontology, University of Zürich, Switzerland.
International Endodontic Journal
|December 4, 2003
Summary
FlexMaster nickel-titanium instruments effectively shaped maxillary molar root canals, including narrow ones, with minimal errors. Canal anatomy had little impact on the shaping performance of these instruments.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Root canal preparation is crucial for endodontic success.
- Nickel-titanium instruments offer improved flexibility and cutting efficiency for shaping root canals.
- Evaluating instrument performance in complex root canal anatomies is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the in vitro effectiveness of FlexMaster nickel-titanium instruments in shaping maxillary molar root canals.
- To compare the shaping performance of FlexMaster instruments in different canal types (mesiobuccal, distobuccal, palatal) and sizes ('wide' vs. 'constricted').
Main Methods:
- Human maxillary molars were scanned using micro-computed tomography (microCT) before and after shaping with FlexMaster instruments.
- Three-dimensional reconstructions were analyzed for changes in canal volume, surface area, diameter, and transportation.
- Canals were categorized as 'wide' or 'constricted' based on median canal volume for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- FlexMaster instruments significantly increased canal volume and surface area in all canal types without gross preparation errors.
- Mean root canal diameters increased, with minimal apical transportation observed across all canal types.
- 'Wide' canals showed a higher proportion of unprepared surfaces compared to 'constricted' canals.
Conclusions:
- FlexMaster instruments successfully shaped curved and narrow maxillary molar root canals to sizes 40 and 45 with minimal shaping errors.
- The instruments demonstrated consistent performance across varying canal anatomies, effectively shaping both 'wide' and 'constricted' canals.