title: Two typologies of endodontic instrument handle are here investigated for tactility modifications.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this comparative study was to evaluate possible modifications of tactility (deep and discriminative tactile sensitivity) using manual endodontic instruments equipped with traditional handles compared with innovative silicone handle versions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen subjects were selected and supplied with resin Endo-Training-Block simulators, latex gloves and manual endodontic instruments with diameters ranging from 10 to 40 mm. All instruments had traditional and silicon handles. The investigation of deep and discriminative tactile sensitivity was performed at 0, 15, 30, and 45 minutes of the manual instrumentation with an esthesiometer. We obtain each of our data from the median of three consecutive measurements. The results were then statistically analyzed thanks to the ANOVA test: P=0.003 for subjects, P<0.001 for time factor, and P=0.010 for sensitivity-time interaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We observed a better tactility with silicone handle instruments, comparing the two kinds of handle (regardless of the finger tested) as well as singly analyzing the thumb and index finger.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the sample limited extension, the loss of deep cutaneous and discrimination sensitivity seems to be reduced using silicone handles, most likely favoring an improvement of the working performance.
authors.affiliation: Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Prosthesis, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. l.comin-chiaramonti@libero.it
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Comin Chiaramonti
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Biscardo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Riolfi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Albanese
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cavalleri
mesh_terms: D004708:Endodontics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014110:Touch; D055815:Young Adult