Shaping ability of Profile rotary nickel-titanium instruments with ISO sized tips in simulated root canals: Part 1

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Root canal preparation is crucial for endodontic treatment success.
• Nickel-titanium rotary instruments offer advantages in shaping complex root canal anatomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the shaping ability of ProFile 0.04 taper rotary nickel-titanium instruments in simulated root canals.
• To assess preparation time, instrument failure, canal blockages, and canal morphology.
• To determine the three-dimensional canal form created by these instruments.

Main Methods:

• Forty simulated root canals with varying curvatures were prepared using ProFile 0.04 taper instruments.
• The 'crown down' preparation technique was employed as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Data collected included preparation time, instrument failure rates, canal blockages, and canal impressions.

Main Results:

• Average preparation time was 5.2 minutes, unaffected by canal shape.
• Three instrument fractures and three deformations occurred, with size 35 and 30 instruments failing most frequently.
• No canal blockages were observed, and minimal change in working length was noted.
• Intra-canal impressions revealed smooth canal walls, apical stops, good flow, and taper in prepared canals.

Conclusions:

• ProFile 0.04 taper rotary nickel-titanium instruments are effective for rapid preparation of simulated root canals.
• These instruments create favorable three-dimensional canal forms with good apical control.
• Instrument failure rates were low, particularly in canals with less severe curvatures.