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Effect of retrograde cavity preparations on root apexes
R J Frank1, D D Antrim, L K Bakland
1Department of Endodontics, Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
Endodontics & Dental Traumatology
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Ultrasonic instruments for endodontic surgery create smaller cavities but may cause root apex infractions. Medium power ultrasonic and slow speed handpiece methods showed the fewest infractions, while high power ultrasonics caused the most.
Area of Science:
- Endodontic Surgery
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Ultrasonic cavity preparations offer advantages like smaller access and cleaner instrumentation in endodontic surgery.
- Concerns exist regarding potential root apex infractions caused by ultrasonic instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the incidence of root apex infractions resulting from different cavity preparation methods in endodontic surgery.
Main Methods:
- Five preparation methods were tested: high-speed handpiece, slow-speed handpiece, sonic instruments, and ultrasonic instruments at medium and high power settings.
- The study focused on examining the root apex for infractions after preparation with each method.
Main Results:
- All tested methods produced some degree of root apex infractions.
- High-power ultrasonic preparations resulted in the highest number of infractions.
- Slow-speed handpieces and medium-power ultrasonic preparations exhibited the lowest incidence of infractions.
Conclusions:
- While ultrasonic preparations offer benefits, the risk of root apex infractions must be considered.
- Medium power settings for ultrasonic instruments and traditional slow-speed handpieces appear to minimize infraction risk during endodontic cavity preparation.