Micro-computed tomography evaluation of minimally invasive root canal preparation in 3D-printed C-shaped canal

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the shaping abilities and minimum dentin thickness of minimally invasive rotary instruments via micro-computed tomography. Twelve 3D-printed C-shaped canal models from a mandibular molar were divided into two groups, and root canals were prepared with either XP-endo Rise (XR) or TruNatomy (TN) systems. Pre- and post-preparation evaluations included canal volume, prepared area and minimum dentin thickness. No significant differences were found in canal volume change (XR: 22.66 ± 4.28%, TN: 23.02 ± 5.10%), prepared canal area (XR: 31.86 ± 10.72%, TN: 30.26 ± 11.59%) and minimum dentin thickness (XR: 0.30 ± 0.05 mm, TN: 0.28 ± 0.05 mm) between groups (p > 0.05). The canal volume change in the middle third was significantly higher than that in the coronal and apical thirds (p < 0.05) in both groups. In conclusion, XR demonstrated comparable shaping abilities and minimum dentin thickness to TN in preparing 3D-printed C-shaped canals.