F. Paqué, and O. A. Peters
Journal of Endodontics. 2011 April; 37:517–21.
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the shaping potential of a novel nickel-titanium instrument, the self-adjusting file (SAF), in long oval root canals in distal roots in mandibular molars.
METHODS: Twenty mandibular molars with long oval distal root canals were selected and scanned preoperatively and postoperatively by using micro–computed tomography at an original resolution of 20 mm. Canals were shaped with the SAF, three-dimensionally reconstructed, and evaluated for volume, surface area, canal transportation, and prepared surface. Data were statistically contrasted by using paired t tests and regression analysis.
RESULTS: Preoperatively, canal volume was 7.73 ± 2.13 mm3, and canal area was 42.83 ± 8.14 mm2. Volumes and surface areas increased significantly (P < .001) by 4.84 ± 1.73 mm3 and 3.34 ± 1.73 mm2, respectively, and no gross preparation errors were detected. Unprepared canal surface varied between individual canals, and mean unprepared surface was 23.5% ± 8.9%. Prepared areas were significantly larger compared with rotary canal preparation done in a previous study. Canal transportation scores were higher in the coronal root canal third (106 ± 50 mm) compared with the apical third (81 ± 49 mm).
CONCLUSIONS: In vitro, preparation of long oval-shaped root canals in mandibular molars with the SAF was effective and safe. Moreover, shapes generated with the SAF were more complete compared with rotary canal preparation.
