Influence of Contracted Endodontic Access on Root Canal Geometry: An In Vitro Study

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Minimally Invasive Dentistry
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Contracted endodontic cavities (CECs) are a minimally invasive approach to preserve tooth structure.
• CECs aim to maintain tooth mechanical stability compared to traditional endodontic cavities (TECs).
• The impact of CECs on root canal geometry and anatomy preservation requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of CECs on root canal anatomy preservation.
• To compare the shaping outcomes of CECs versus TECs using micro-computed tomography.
• To assess the impact on canal volume, surface area, and apical transportation.

Main Methods:

• Thirty human mandibular molars were divided into TEC and CEC groups.
• Root canals were shaped using ProGlider and WaveOne Gold nickel-titanium rotary instruments.
• Micro-computed tomography was used to analyze canal morphology before and after shaping.

Main Results:

• TECs demonstrated superior preservation of original root canal anatomy.
• CECs exhibited greater apical transportation compared to TECs.
• Reduced coronal interferences in TECs may explain the improved apical preservation.

Conclusions:

• TECs appear to offer better preservation of root canal anatomy during shaping.
• The benefits of TECs are particularly noted at the apical region.
• CECs may compromise the preservation of intricate root canal morphology.