Apical transportation created using three different patency instruments.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate root canal transportation at the major foramen through the use of stainless steel size 08 K-Flex files, size 10 reamers, and XF finger spreaders when used as patency instruments.


METHODS
One hundred and two mesiobuccal canals of maxillary and mandibular first molars were randomly divided into three groups (34 canals each). Size 08 stainless steel K-Flex files, size 10 stainless steel reamers and stainless steel XF finger spreaders were used as patency instruments in groups A, B and C respectively. The major foramen was photographed before and after instrumentation. The images were superimposed and then evaluated using Photoshop to determine the frequency of apical transportation. The statistic analysis was performed using chi(2)test.


RESULTS
Transportation was detected in 22% of the specimens; 9% in group A, 12% in group B and 44% in group C. Significant differences were observed between groups A and C (P = 0.0025) and between groups B and C (P = 0.0069), but not between groups A and B (P = 1.00).


CONCLUSIONS
No transportation was found in the majority of the samples when size 08 K-Flex files and size 10 stainless steel reamers were used. The XF finger spreaders, when used to maintain apical patency, caused the greatest transportation of the major foramen.
Sanchez
J A Gonzalez
JA
Department of Endodontics, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
Duran-Sindreu
F
F
Matos
M Albuquerque
MA
Carabaño
T Garcia
TG
Bellido
M Mercade
MM
Castro
S Morello
SM
Cayón
M Roig
MR
D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003762:Dental Instruments / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D023861:Photography, Dental; D011859:Radiography; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*