The validity of using simulated root canals as models for ultrasonic instrumentation

The validity of using simulated root canals in resin blocks for evaluating the effects of ultrasonic root canal instrumentation was examined. Curved canals in resin blocks and in natural teeth were ultrasonically instrumented using the Cavi-Endo unit at power setting 1. Canal shapes were compared qualitatively and quantitatively from photographs and subtraction macroradiographs of simulated canals and teeth, respectively. The following measurements were taken: apical and coronal areas, changes in width at the elbow and at 0.5 mm apical to the elbow, and apical transport width. Qualitatively, there did not appear to be any differences in the manner of removal of material along the length of the canal in both test models. Quantitatively, there was a similarity in the following: areas of canal walls removed, the incidence of elbows, the change in width at the region of the elbow, and the apical transport width. The lack of differences showed that the ultrasonic file cut in a similar fashion in both test models and indicated that simulated canals are valid models for evaluating the effects of ultrasonic instrumentation.