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Evaluation of Silver-Ion-Coated Rotary Nickel Titanium Files - An In Vitro Study
Jhanvi H Sadaria1, Kondas V Venkatesh, Dhanasekaran Sihivahanan
1Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Background:
Rotary nickel titanium (NiTi) files allow for faster preparation of root canals compared to hand files. Additionally, rotary NiTi files treated with silver ions are effective in eliminating pathogens and enhancing the biocompatibility of root canals. This data indicates that these materials could greatly reduce the likelihood of reinfection post-treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-microbial efficacy, cutting efficiency, canal shaping ability and cyclic fatigue of a nickel-titanium rotary file system coated with silver metal ions.
Materials And Methods:
Silver deposition was achieved using the electroplating technique. A sample of 10 mandibular first molars was weighed with a high-precision analytical balance prior to preparation. The weight differentials before and after preparation indicated debris loss, serving as a parameter for cutting efficiency. Microtomographic analyses were conducted to assess canal shaping ability. For cyclic fatigue assessment, the instruments were securely held without pressure in an acrylic block featuring a pre-formed canal and were monitored until fracture occurred.
Results:
The utilisation of silver-ion-coated endodontic files resulted in a reduction of bacterial colony-forming units, enhanced cutting efficiency and preserved canal shaping ability compared to NiTi rotary files. The resistance to cyclic fatigue in silver-ion-coated NiTi files exceeded that of traditional NiTi files.
Conclusion:
The integration of silver ions into NiTi rotary files confers inherent anti-microbial properties, as well as increased cutting efficiency and enhanced cyclic fatigue resistance.
