Dentinal Microcrack Formation after Root Canal Instrumentation by XP-Endo Shaper and ProTaper Universal: A...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Root canal instrumentation is crucial for endodontic treatment success.
• Different rotary file systems may influence dentinal tissue integrity.
• Understanding microcrack formation is vital for preventing root fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare dentinal microcrack formation after root canal instrumentation using XP-endo shaper (XPES) versus ProTaper Universal (PTU).
• To evaluate the impact of these instruments on dentinal integrity at body temperature.
• To analyze microcrack formation in different root thirds using microcomputed tomography.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen mandibular molars with Vertucci Type IV canals were instrumented with either XPES or PTU.
• Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) was used to scan roots before and after instrumentation.
• Dentinal microcracks were quantified in cervical, middle, and apical thirds.

Main Results:

• Both XPES and PTU increased microcracks in the cervical third.
• XPES significantly increased microcracks in the middle third, while PTU did not.
• XPES induced more incomplete microcracks in the middle third compared to PTU.

Conclusions:

• No significant difference in microcrack formation between XPES and PTU in apical and cervical thirds.
• XPES instrumentation resulted in a higher incidence of incomplete microcracks in the middle root third.
• Careful consideration of instrument choice may be necessary to minimize dentinal damage.