Apical root canal transportation and remaining dentin thickness associated with ProTaper Universal with and without...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Root canal instrumentation aims to clean and shape canals while preserving tooth structure.
• Apical transportation and remaining dentin thickness (RDT) are critical factors in endodontic treatment success.
• ProTaper Universal files are commonly used for root canal preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare apical transportation and RDT in mesiobuccal root canals instrumented with ProTaper Universal F3/F4 files.
• To evaluate the effect of pre-creating glide paths with the PathFile system on these parameters.

Main Methods:

• Extracted human maxillary molars with 20°-35° curvatures were used.
• Two groups were established: one with PathFile glide paths (Group A) and one without (Group B).
• All canals were instrumented with ProTaper Universal F3 and F4 files. Apical transportation was measured using digital subtraction radiography, and RDT was assessed via cone-beam computed tomography.

Main Results:

• Apical transportation was higher with F4 files, irrespective of glide path use.
• No significant difference in apical transportation was found between Group A and Group B.
• Group A demonstrated significantly greater RDT at 2 mm and 3 mm from the apex compared to Group B.

Conclusions:

• Pre-creating glide paths with the PathFile system does not significantly alter apical transportation during ProTaper Universal instrumentation.
• The use of PathFile for glide path creation is associated with increased RDT at 2 and 3 mm from the apex, potentially enhancing root canal preparation safety.