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Efficacy of protaper instruments during endodontic retreatment
Luiz Fernando Fariniuk1, Marco Antonio Diniz Azevedo1, Everdan Carneiro1
1Department of Endodontics, School of Health and Biosciences, PUCPR, Curitiba, PR Brazil.
Summary
ProTaper Universal and ProTaper Retreatment rotary instruments were more effective and faster for removing root canal filling material than Hedström files. Both rotary systems left less material compared to manual files.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Root canal filling removal is crucial for retreatment success.
- Evaluating new instruments for efficient gutta-percha removal is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of ProTaper Universal (PTU) and ProTaper Retreatment (PTR) instruments against Hedström files (HF) for removing filling material from root canals.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-six mandibular premolars were filled with gutta-percha and AH Plus.
- Three groups were tested: PTU, PTR, and HF (Gates-Glidden burs, Hedström files, solvent).
- Remaining filling material was quantified, and time for removal was recorded.
Main Results:
- All groups had remaining filling material; HF group showed the highest amount, while PTU had the least.
- The cervical third had significantly less material than other thirds.
- HF group required significantly more time for filling removal.
Conclusions:
- ProTaper Universal and ProTaper Retreatment instruments are more effective and efficient than Hedström files for root canal filling removal.
- ProTaper Retreatment instruments did not show superiority over ProTaper Universal instruments.
