Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Scanning Electron Microscopic Evaluation of Surface Defects of Remover Retreatment File After Single and Multiple Uses
Published on: October 11, 2024
Micro-CT evaluation of the removal of root fillings using the ProTaper Universal Retreatment system supplemented by
H Aksel1,2, S Küçükkaya Eren1, S Askerbeyli Örs1
1Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Aim:
To compare the removal of root fillings in extracted teeth using the ProTaper Universal Retreatment system (PTUR) followed by a supplementary preparation with the XP-Endo Finisher file.
Methodology:
The mesiobuccal root canals of 30 extracted mandibular first molars were instrumented with ProTaper Universal NiTi files up to F2 and filled with one of the following sealers using a single-cone technique (n = 10): AH Plus, NeoMTA Plus and EndoSequence BC. The root fillings were removed using the PTUR system with additional apical preparation using ProTaper F2 and F3 files. Then, an additional preparation with an XP-Endo Finisher file was performed. The samples were scanned using micro-CT before and after retreatment and again after the use of the XP-Endo Finisher to assess the volume of remaining filling material. Data were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman's two-way analysis of variance tests with Bonferroni correction.
Results:
No significant difference in the initial filling volume was observed amongst the groups (P > 0.05). The amount of filling materials in each group decreased significantly after retreatment with rotary files (P < 0.05). After initial retreatment, the volume of the remaining filling amongst the groups was similar (P > 0.05). Additional preparation with the XP-Endo Finisher improved the removal of filling materials regardless of the sealer type (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
In the mesiobuccal root canals of extracted mandibular first molars, additional preparation using an XP-Endo Finisher file, after using the PTUR system and F3 ProTaper instruments, enhanced the removal of filling materials from root canals.
Related Concept Videos
Finishing Concrete
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
Root Mean Square
For example, consider the velocity of gas molecules in a container. The gas molecules are moving in different directions, which might impart positive and negative...
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

