Root Canal Preparation of Maxillary Molars With theSelf-adjusting File: A Micro-computed Tomography Study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to describe thecanal shaping properties of a novel nickel-titaniuminstrument, the self-adjusting file (SAF), in maxillary molars

Methods: Twenty maxillary molars werescanned by using micro–computed tomography at 20-mm resolution. Canals were shaped with the SAF, whichwas operated with continuous irrigation in a handpiecethat provided an in-and-out vibrating movement.Changes in canal volumes, surface areas, and crosssectionalgeometry were compared with preoperative
values. Canal transportation and the fraction of unpreparedcanal surface area were also determined. Data were normally distributed and compared by analysesof variance

Results: Preoperatively, mean canalvolumes were 2.88  1.32, 1.50  0.99, and 4.30  1.89 mm3 for mesiobuccal (MB), distobuccal (DB), and palatal (P) canals, respectively; these values were statistically similar to earlier studies with the same protocol. Volumes and surface areas increased significantly in MB, DB, and P canals; mean canal transportation scores in the apical and middle root canal thirds ranged between 31 and 89 mm. Mean unprepared surfaces were 25.8%  12.4%, 22.1% 12.0%, and 25.2% 11.3% in MB, DB, and P canals, respectively (P > .05) when assessed at high resolution.

Conclusions: By using SAF instruments in vitro, canals in maxillary molars were homogenously and circumferentially prepared with little canal transportation. (J Endod 2011;37:53–57)

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