title: Detection of Procedural Errors during Root Canal Instrumentation using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study investigated procedural errors made during root canal preparation with nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging method.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 100 human mandibular molars were divided into five groups (n = 20) according to the NiTi system used for root canal preparation: Group 1 - BioRaCe, Group 2 - K3, Group 3 - ProTaper, Group 4 - Mtwo and Group 5 - Hero Shaper. CBCT images were obtained to detect procedural errors made during root canal preparation. Two examiners evaluated the presence or absence of fractured instruments, perforations, and canal transportations. Chi-square test was used for statistical analyzes. The significance level was set at a=5%.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In a total of 300 prepared root canals, 43 (14.33%) procedural errors were detected. Perforation was the procedural errors most commonly observed (58.14%). Most of the procedural errors were observed in the mesiobuccal root canal (48.84%). In the analysis of procedural errors, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the groups of NiTi instruments. The root canals instrumented with BioRaCe had significantly less procedural errors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CBCT permitted the detection of procedural errors during root canal preparation. The frequency of procedural errors was low when root canals preparation was accomplished with BioRaCe system.
authors: Professor, Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Cuiabá, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
authors: Orlando Aguirre
authors: OA
authors: Guedes
authors: Professor, Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Cuiabá, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
authors: Marcus Vinícius Corrêa
authors: MV
authors: da Costa
authors: Professor, Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Cuiabá, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
authors: Maura Cristiane Gonçales Orçati
authors: MC
authors: Dorilêo
authors: Professor, Department of Stomatologic Sciences, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
authors: Helder Fernandes
authors: HF
authors: de Oliveira
authors: Professor, Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Cuiabá, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
authors: Fábio Luis Miranda
authors: FL
authors: Pedro
authors: Professor, Department of Prosthodontic Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Master Program in Dentistry, UNICEUMA, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.
authors: Matheus Coelho
authors: MC
authors: Bandeca
authors: Professor, Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Cuiabá, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
authors: Álvaro Henrique
authors: ÁH
authors: Borges
keywords: Cone beam computed tomography; diagnostic imaging; root canal preparation; rotary instruments