Bock Hur

Cyclic fatigue and fracture characteristics of ground and twisted nickel-titanium rotary files.

INTRODUCTION The purposes of this study were to compare the fatigue resistance of traditional, ground nickel-titanium rotary instruments with the Twisted File and to examine the fracture characteristics of the fatigued fragment. METHODS Size #25, 0.06 tapered, TF (SybronEndo), RaCe (FKG Dentaire), Helix (DiaDent), and ProTaper F1 (Dentsply Maillefer) were examined with scanning electron microscope for surface characteristics before subjected to a cyclic (rotational bending) fatigue test. The time until fracture was recorded to calculate the number of revolutions for each instrument. The data were compared for differences by using analysis of variance and post hoc Scheffé test. The fragments were examined with scanning electron microscope both in lateral view and fractographically. RESULTS TF showed a significantly higher resistance to cyclic fatigue than other nickel-titanium files that were manufactured with a grinding process (P < .05). The path of crack propagation appeared to be different for electropolished (TF and RaCe) versus non-electropolished (Helix and ProTaper) instruments. CONCLUSIONS Although all specimens showed similar fractographic appearance, which indicated a similar fracture mechanism, instruments with abundant machining grooves seemed to have a higher risk of fatigue.

Torsional strength and toughness of nickel-titanium rotary files.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this investigation was to compare torsional strength, distortion angle, and toughness of various nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files. METHODS Five NiTi rotary instruments with different cross-sectional geometries were selected: TF and RaCe with equilateral triangle, ProTaper with convex-triangle, ProFile with U-shape, and Mtwo with S-shape. The size 25/.06 taper of TF, RaCe, ProFile, and Mtwo and the ProTaper F1 files were tested, all with the same diameter at D5. A metal mounting block with a cubical hole was constructed in which 5 mm of the file tip was rigidly held in place by filling the mold with a resin composite. The files were subjected to clockwise rotation at 2 rpm in a torsion tester. The torque and angular distortion were monitored until the file failed. The data were compared statistically for the yield and ultimate strengths, plastic hardening period, and toughness. RESULTS TF and RaCe had significantly lower yield strength than other systems. TF had a significantly lower ultimate strength than other files, whereas Mtwo showed the greatest. ProFile showed the highest distortion angle at break, followed by TF. ProFile also showed the highest toughness value, whereas TF and RaCe both showed a lower toughness value than the others (P < .05). Fractographic examination revealed typical pattern of torsional fracture for all brands, characterized by circular abrasion marks and skewed dimples near the center of rotation. CONCLUSIONS Under the limitations of the present study, the 5 tested NiTi rotary files showed a similar mechanical behavior under torsional load, with a period of plastic deformation before actual torsional breakage but with unequal strength and toughness value.

Dynamic Torsional Resistance of Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments

INTRODUCTION The cyclic fatigue of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments has been studied extensively, but there is little information available on torsional fracture. Moreover, a clinical repeated locking effect was not considered in previous studies that evaluated torsional resistance of NiTi instruments. Thus, this study was aimed to compare the repetitive torsional resistance of various NiTi instruments with clinical relevance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five brands of NiTi rotary instruments were selected: Twisted File (TF; SybronEndo, Orange, CA) and RaCe systems (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), both with an equilateral triangular cross-section, and the ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaignes, Switzerland), Helix (DiaDent, Chongju, Korea), and FlexMaster (VDW, Munchen, Germany), which had a convex triangular cross-section. Five millimeters of the tip of each file was embedded in composite resin block, and uniform torsional stresses (300 rpm, 1.0 N.cm) were applied repetitively by an endodontic motor with auto-stop mode until the file succumbed to torsional failure. The number of load applications leading to fracture was recorded. All fracture surfaces were examined under the SEM. Results were analyzed nonparametrically with alpha = 0.05. RESULTS Under the mode of load applications in this study, TF had the lowest and FlexMaster the highest torsional resistance among the groups (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy examination revealed a typical pattern of torsional fracture for TF, RaCe, and ProTaper that was characterized by circular abrasion marks and skewed dimples near the center of rotation. In addition to these marks, Helix and FlexMaster presented a rough, torn-off appearance. CONCLUSION It was concluded that files of same cross-sectional design may exhibit different resistance to fracture probably as a result of the manufacturing process.

Stress distribution of three NiTi rotary files under bending and torsional conditions using a mathematic analysis

AIM To compare and evaluate the stress distribution of three NiTi instruments of various cross-sectional configurations under bending or torsional condition using a finite-element analysis model. METHODOLOGY Three NiTi files (ProFile, ProTaper and ProTaper Universal) were scanned using Micro-CT to produce a three-dimensional digital model. The behaviour of the instrument under bending or torsional loads was analysed mathematically in software (ABAQUS V6.5-1), taking into consideration the nonlinear mechanical characteristic of NiTi material. RESULTS ProFile showed the greatest flexibility, followed by ProTaper Universal and ProTaper. The highest stress was observed at the surface near the cutting edge and the base of (opposing) flutes during cantilever bending. Concentration of stresses was observed at the bottom of the flutes in ProFile and ProTaper Universal instruments in torsion. The stress was more evenly distributed over the surface of ProTaper initially, which then concentrated at the middle of the convex sides when the amount of angular deflection was increased. CONCLUSION Incorporating a U-shaped groove in the middle of each side of the convex-triangular design lowers the flexural rigidity of the origin ProTaper design. Bending leads to the highest surface stress at or near the cutting edge of the instrument. Stress concentration occurs at the bottom of the flute when the instrument is subjected to torsion.

Characteristics of non‐carious cervical lesions – an ex vivo study using micro computed tomography

The aetiology of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) is not well understood and still controversial. The aim of this ex-vivo study was to examine the morphological characteristics of NCCLs for clinical evidence of enamel loss above the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) as suggested by the abfraction theory. Fifty extracted human teeth with various types of NCCLs were collected and scanned by micro computed tomography. The reconstructed three-dimensional models were evaluated from multiple aspects, including longitudinal cross-section series. The location of internal line angle and proximal exits of the lesions were evaluated in relation to the level of CEJ. The coronal margins of the lesions were inspected for evidence of enamel loss above the CEJ using the bucco-lingual longitudinal sectional images. Coronal margins of the lesions were located along and/or under the CEJ for all of the 50 samples. In most of the lesions, regardless of lesion type, the proximal exits and internal line angles were located below the CEJ. This study did not detect clinical evidence of enamel loss above the occlusal margin of NCCLs as would have been expected according to the general abfraction mechanism.

Cyclic fatigue resistance tests of Nickel-Titanium rotary files using simulated canal and weight loading conditions

Objectives This study compared the cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel-titanium (NiTi) files obtained in a conventional test using a simulated canal with a newly developed method that allows the application of constant fatigue load conditions. Materials and Methods ProFile and K3 files of #25/.06, #30/.06, and #40/.04 were selected. Two types of testing devices were built to test their fatigue performance. The first (conventional) device prescribed curvature inside a simulated canal (C-test), the second new device exerted a constant load (L-test) whilst allowing any resulting curvature. Ten new instruments of each size and brand were tested with each device. The files were rotated until fracture and the number of cycles to failure (NCF) was determined. The NCF were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Duncans post-hoc test for each method. Spearmans rank correlation coefficient was computed to examine any association between methods. Results Spearmans rank correlation coefficient (ρ = -0.905) showed a significant negative correlation between methods. Groups with significant difference after the L-test divided into 4 clusters, whilst the C-test gave just 2 clusters. From the L-test, considering the negative correlation of NCF, K3 gave a significantly lower fatigue resistance than ProFile as in the C-test. K3 #30/.06 showed a lower fatigue resistance than K3 #25/.06, which was not found by the C-test. Variation in fatigue test methodology resulted in different cyclic fatigue resistance rankings for various NiTi files. Conclusions The new methodology standardized the load during fatigue testing, allowing determination fatigue behavior under constant load conditions.

Single file reciprocating technique using conventional nickel–titanium rotary endodontic files

This study was aimed to evaluate the applicability of a reciprocating movement technique with conventional nickel-titanium files for root canal preparation. Forty-four simulated canals in resin blocks were used in this study and divided as following four groups according to the instruments used and preparation methods. Group CP (n = 12) and CR (n = 12) were instrumented with continuous rotation using four files of ProFile and RaCe, respectively. Group RP (n = 10) and RR (n = 10) were instrumented with a reciprocation movement by using a single ProFile and RaCe file, respectively. The resin blocks were scanned before and after instrumentation, and the images were superimposed. To compare the efficiency of canal shaping, the preparation time, and centering ratio were calculated. Morphologic changes of tested files were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncans post hoc test at p < 0.05. The preparation time was markedly shorter in Groups RP and RR than in Groups CP and CR. No significant difference in the centering ratio was noted between groups. Although the files used for Groups CP and CR showed no distortion under the SEM evaluation, the files used for Groups RP and RR had considerable torsional distortion. This study suggests that the reciprocating instrumentation technique using conventional nickel-titanium rotary file systems might have a comparable efficacy for the root canal shaping with reduced shaping time. Although the reciprocating technique seems to be an effective alternative to the conventional rotation technique, the risk of torsional distortion and fracture should be considered before clinical application.

The effect of resin thickness on polymerization characteristics of silorane-based composite resin

Objectives This study examined the influence of the resin thickness on the polymerization of silorane- and methacrylate-based composites. Materials and Methods One silorane-based (Filtek P90, 3M ESPE) and two methacrylate-based (Filtek Z250 and Z350, 3M ESPE) composite resins were used. The number of photons were detected using a photodiode detector at the different thicknesses (thickness, 1, 2 and 3 mm) specimens. The microhardness of the top and bottom surfaces was measured (n = 15) using a Vickers hardness with 200 gf load and 15 sec dwell time conditions. The degree of conversion (DC) of the specimens was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scratched powder of each top and bottom surface of the specimen dissolved in ethanol for transmission FTIR spectroscopy. The refractive index was measured using a Abbe-type refractometer. To measure the polymerization shrinkage, a linometer was used. The results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukeys test at p < 0.05 level. Results The silorane-based resin composite showed the lowest filler content and light attenuation among the specimens. P90 showed the highest values in the DC and the lowest microhardness at all depth. In the polymerization shrinkage, P90 showed a significantly lower shrinkage than the rest two resin products (p < 0.05). P90 showed a significantly lower refractive index than the remaining two resin products (p < 0.05). Conclusions DC, microhardness, polymerization rate and refractive index linearly decreased as specimen thickness linearly increased. P90 showed much less polymerization shrinkage compared to other specimens. P90, even though achieved the highest DC, showed the lowest microhardness and refractive index.

Management of white spots: resin infiltration technique and microabrasion

This case report compared the effectiveness of resin infiltration technique (Icon, DMG) with microabrasion (Opalustre, Ultradent Products, Inc.) in management of white spot lesions. It demonstrates that although neither microabrasion nor resin infiltration technique can remove white spot lesions completely, resin infiltration technique seems to be more effective than microabrasion. Therefore resin infiltration technique can be chosen preferentially for management of white spot lesions and caution should be taken for case selec

Relative efficacy of three Ni-Ti file systems used by undergraduates

The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the shaping ability of the three different Ni-Ti file systems used by undergraduate students. Fifty undergraduate students prepared 150 simulated curved root canals in resin blocks with three Ni-Ti file systems - (PF), Manual (MPT), Rotary (RPT). Every student prepared 3 simulated root canals with each system respectively. After root canal preparation, the Ni-Ti files were evaluated for distortion or breakage Assessments were made according to the presence of various types of canal aberrations. The pre- and post-instrumented canal images were attained and superimposed. The instrumented root canal width were measured and calculated for the net transportation (deviation) and the centering ratio. Under the condition of this study, both systems allowed significantly more removal of root canal wall than the system. In the important other aspects such as the centering ratio, there was no significant differences between the systems. Novice dental students were able to prepare curved root canals with any kinds of Ni-Ti file systems with little aberration and great conservation of tooth structure. Students want to learn effective methods and at the same time simple rotary procedures. The rotary systems were one of the most compatible to these students from the point of view of cutting ability The system was also compatible in safe and gentle shaping.