Influence of cyclic torsional loading on the fatigue resistance of K3 instruments.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of cyclic torsional loading on the flexural fatigue resistance and torsional properties of rotary NiTi instruments.


METHODS
Twelve sets of new K3 instruments, sizes 20, 25 and 30 with an 0.04 taper, and sizes 20 and 25 with an 0.06 taper, were torsion tested until rupture, to establish their mean values of maximum torque and angular deflection. Twelve new K3 instruments of each of the following dimensions, size 30, 0.04 taper and sizes 20 and 25 with 0.06 taper, were tested to failure by rotation bending in a fatigue test device. Cyclic torsional loading was performed in 20 cycles from zero angular deflection to 180 degrees and then return to zero applied torque. After cyclic loading, the same number of instruments were tested until rupture in torsion and flexural fatigue. Data obtained were subjected to a one way analysis of variance (anova) at 95% confidence level.


RESULTS
Cyclic torsional loading caused no significant differences in maximum torque or in maximum angular deflection of the instruments analysed, but comparative statistical analysis between measured NCF values of new and previously cycled K3 instruments showed significant differences for all tested instrument. Longitudinal cracks, that is, cracks apparently parallel to the long axis of the instruments cycled in torsion was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Cyclic torsional loading experiments in new K3 rotary endodontic instruments showed that torsional fatigue decreased the resistance of these instruments to flexural fatigue, although it did not affect their torsional resistance.
Bahia
M G A
MG
Department of Restoration Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Melo
M C C
MC
Buono
V T L
VT
D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D009532:Nickel / Q000737:chemistry*; D018583:Pliability; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*; D019415:Torque; D054159:Torsion, Mechanical
D003722:Dental Alloys; C040654:titanium nickelide; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium