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Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Scanning Electron Microscopic Evaluation of Surface Defects of Remover Retreatment File After Single and Multiple Uses
Published on: October 11, 2024
In vitro study of structural and chemical changes in two reciprocating files after multiple reuses and sterilisation
Amanda Zambaldi Marim1, Carlos Eduardo da Silveira Bueno1, Carolina Pessoa Stringheta1
1Department of Endodontics, São Leopoldo Mandic School, São Leopoldo Mandic Research Center, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
To use scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to evaluate the metallurgical-chemical changes of WaveOne Gold (WOG) and R-Motion (RM), after multiple uses. The instruments were divided into groups (n = 8): WOG and RM-control groups, new instruments; WOG1 and RM1; WOG2 and RM2; WOG3 and RM3 after instrumentation of 1, 2 or 3 molars, respectively. Burrs occurred mainly in the control group and after the first use. The RM files were found to have a higher nickel content, which increased during reuse, and a decrease in oxygen content with increasing reuse, in addition to calcium impregnation, which occurred in greater amounts in the corrosion areas in the WOG files. The presence of topographic and chemical changes was demonstrated, indicating that caution should be taken when reusing endodontic instruments to avoid fractures.
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