Cross-sectional analysis of root canals prepared with NiTi rotary instruments and stainless steel reciprocating files.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the shaping of oval-shaped root canals using 2 different preparation techniques resulted in significant morphologic differences.


METHODS
Forty lower premolars with oval-shaped root canals were divided into group A, instrumented with the Anatomic Endodontic Technology (AET) system, and group B, treated with ProTaper instruments. A modified Bramante technique was used to analyze changes in root canal diameters (DeltaD), changes in surface area (DeltaA), and the change in buccolingual and mesiodistal ratio (DeltaR). The data were subjected to a Student t test at a significance level of P < 0.05.


RESULTS
Statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups at coronal and middle levels. There was no statistically significant difference at the apical level.


CONCLUSIONS
The 2 techniques produced a significant difference in the ultimate shape of the coronal and middle portions of oval-shaped root canals, with the AET system removing more tooth structure at these levels. However, no differences were observed at the apical third.
Grande
Nicola M
NM
Department of Endodontics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
Plotino
Gianluca
G
Butti
Andrea
A
Messina
Fabio
F
Pameijer
Cornelis H
CH
Somma
Francesco
F
D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D009532:Nickel; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012399:Rotation; D013193:Stainless Steel; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium
C040654:titanium nickelide; D013193:Stainless Steel; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium