A dozen ways to prevent nickel-titanium rotary instrument fracture.
BACKGROUND
and Overview. With the increased use of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments for root canal preparation in endodontics, instrument fracture has become more prevalent. Extensive research has been conducted on the physical properties and mechanical characteristics of NiTi rotary instruments, as well as the factors that can contribute to instrument failure. NiTi rotary instruments are subjected to torque and are susceptible to cyclic fatigue, which are the main causes of instrument fracture. However, with an understanding of how these instruments function in preparing root canals and by applying ways to reduce torque-generated metal fatigue, clinicians can use the instruments safely in clinical practice.


RESULTS
The author presents 12 measures that clinicians can take to prevent NiTi rotary instrument fracture and discusses them in detail.


CONCLUSIONS
NiTi rotary instrument fracture complicates the progress, and compromises the prognosis of endodontic treatment. However, when clinicians take appropriate measures, rotary instrument fractures can be prevented.
Di Fiore
Peter M
PM
Predoctoral Endodontics, New York University, College of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, New York, NY 10010, USA.
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003722:Dental Alloys; D003762:Dental Instruments; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D008153:Lubrication; D009532:Nickel; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium; D019415:Torque
D003722:Dental Alloys; C040654:titanium nickelide; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium