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Cleaning and shaping curved root canals: Mtwo vs ProTaper instruments, a lab comparison
Maryam Kuzekanani1, Laurence J Walsh, Mohammad Ali Yousefi
1Department of Endodontics, Kerman Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. maryam_30002001@yahoo.com
Summary
The Mtwo nickel-titanium rotary system better maintained the original root canal shape compared to ProTaper in curved molar canals. This suggests Mtwo is preferable for curved canals, especially in maxillary molars.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Root canal preparation in curved canals presents challenges in maintaining original canal anatomy.
- Nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary systems are widely used for root canal preparation.
- Comparing the efficacy of different NiTi systems in preserving canal morphology is crucial for predictable endodontic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the Mtwo and ProTaper NiTi rotary systems for root canal preparation in curved molar canals.
- To evaluate canal shape preservation and smear layer formation between the two systems.
Main Methods:
- Sixty mesiobuccal canals of molars with 25-35 degree curvature were prepared using Mtwo or ProTaper systems.
- Preparation time was recorded, and changes in canal curvature were assessed via radiographs.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the smear layer.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in preparation time or instrument separation was observed between Mtwo and ProTaper.
- The Mtwo system demonstrated statistically less canal transportation, preserving the original canal shape more effectively (P < 0.05).
- SEM analysis revealed no significant difference in smear layer between the systems at coronal, middle, or apical thirds.
Conclusions:
- The Mtwo system is preferable for preparing curved root canals, particularly in maxillary molars, due to superior canal shape maintenance.
- Both systems showed no significant difference in smear layer removal.
- Further research may explore long-term outcomes and efficacy in different root canal anatomies.
