Resumo Objetivos: Aferir o desenho geométrico, características metalúrgicas e desempenho mecânico dos instrumentos réplica (réplica-like) da lima SX do sistema ProTaper Gold (PTG SX). Métodos: A presente investigação envolveu a avaliação do desenho geométrico, proporções de Ti/Ni, temperaturas de transformação de fase, resistência a torção e flexibilidade de 2 instrumentos réplica SX (Premium Taper Gold e Go-Taper Flex) e da lima original PTG SX. Os grupos foram comparados usando os testes ANOVA unidirecional com post hoc Tukey ou Kruskal-Wallis dependendo do tipo de distribuição (gaussiana ou não-gaussiana) dos resultados (teste de Shapiro-Wilk). A significância estatística foi definida a 0,05. Resultados: Os 3 instrumentos SX apresentavam 9 lâminas, ângulos de hélice de ~21o, lâminas simétricas sem radial lands, desenho seccional em triângulo convexo, e proporções quase equiatómicas de Ti/Ni. Foram observadas diferenças nas pontas dos instrumentos. A analise do acabamento superficial mostrou uma superfície mais lisa na Premium Taper Gold e uma mais irregular na Go-Taper Flex. Foram observadas distintas temperaturas de transformação da fase R (Rs inicial, Rf final), entre os instrumentos PTG (Rs~48oC e Rf~30oC), Go-Taper Flex (Rs~43oC e Rf~25oC) e Premium Taper Gold (Rs~30oC e Rf~15oC). Relativamente ao desempenho mecânico, a Go-Taper Flex apresentou menor torque máximo (0,5 N.cm) e maior resistência a flexão (582,2 gf) quando comparada com a PTG (0,8 N.cm e 447,1 gf) (P<0,05). Não foram identificadas diferenças entre a Premium Taper Gold e a PTG (P>0,05). Conclusões: Na globalidade, nenhuma das réplicas foi exatamente igual ao instrumento PTG SX original.

Abstract Objectives: To assess the characteristics, performance, and safety of ProTaper Gold SX (PTG SX) replica-like instruments. Methods: A multimethod research involving the assessment of geometric design (macro and through scanning electron microscope), Ti/Ni proportions (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), phase transformation temperatures (differential scanning calorimetry), torsional resistance, and flexibility was conducted to compare two SX replica-like instruments (Premium Taper Gold and Go-Taper Flex) with the original PTG SX. Results were compared using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis tests according to gaussian or non-gaussian distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test). The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The three SX instruments have nine cutting blades with helix angles of approximately 21o, symmetrical blade geometry without radial lands, a convex triangular cross-section design, and near equiatomic Ti/Ni atomic proportions. Design differences were observed at the tip geometry and surface finishing, which was smoother in the Premium Taper Gold and irregular in the Go-Taper Flex. Distinct R-phase start (Rs) and finish (Rf) phase transformation temperatures were noted between PTG (Rs ~48oC and Rf ~30oC), Go-Taper Flex (Rs ~43oC and Rf ~25oC), and Premium Taper Gold (Rs ~30oC and Rf ~15oC). In the mechanical tests, Go-Taper Flex presented lower maximum torque (mean 0.5 N.cm) and higher bending resistance (mean 582.2 gf) (less flexibility) than PTG (means 0.8 N.cm cliniand 447.1 gf) (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the mechanical tests between Premium Taper Gold and PTG (P>0.05). Conclusions: Overall, the tested replica-like systems showed different features compared to the original PTG SX instrument.

Abstract: This literature review has critically analyzed the published research related to the biomechanical preparation of root canals with three-dimensional analysis using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). In December 2017, six databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Science Direct) were accessed using keywords to find articles including the use of the micro-CT analysis in biomechanical root canal preparation. There were 60 full articles that were selected, which were screened and read by two authors. The research that was reviewed and analyzed included root canal anatomy and sample selection, changes in canal shape and untouched canal areas, canal transportation and centering ability, and kinematics (motion). Of the studies selected, 49.18% discussed anatomical characteristics, with 54.1% of these studies describing mesial roots of mandibular molars with moderate curvature. Only 35% used a stratified distribution based on root canal system morphology and quantitative data obtained by micro-CT. The analysis of canal transportation and centering ability showed that transport values in the apical third exceeded the critical limit of 0.3 mm in mesial roots of mandibular molars with moderate curvature, especially in the groups in which a reciprocating system was used. In relation to kinematics, 91.70% of the reviewed studies evaluated continuous rotating instruments, followed by reciprocating rotation (38.33%), vibratory (15%), and the adaptive kinematics, which was in only 8.33%. The reciprocating kinematics was associated with higher canal decentralization and transportation indexes, as well as a greater capacity for dentin removal and debris accumulation. This literature review showed that the anatomy, the type of design and kinematics of instruments, and the experimental design are factors that directly influence the quality of biomechanical preparation of root canals analyzed in a qualitative and quantitative manner by micro-CT.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a morfologia de 70 pré-molares inferiores com depressões radiculares (DR) usando a microtomografia. Os dentes foram escaneados e avaliados quanto à morfologia das raízes e canais radiculares, bem como o comprimento, profundidade, frequência e localização das DR. O volume, a área de superfície e o Structure Model Index (SMI) dos canais foram mensurados no comprimento total da raiz. Parâmetros bidimensionais e orifícios do canal foram avaliados a 1, 2 e 3 mm do forame apical. O número de canais acessórios, a espessura dentinária e a aparência transversal do canal em diferentes níveis de raiz também foram registrados. A expressão de sulcos profundos foi observada em 21,42% da amostra. Os comprimentos médios de raiz e DR foram de 13,43 mm e 8,5 mm, respectivamente, enquanto a profundidade das DR variou de 0,75 a 1,13 mm. O volume médio do canal, a área superficial e o SMI foram de 10,78 mm3, 58,51 mm2 e 2,84, respectivamente. O delta apical estava presente em 4,35% da amostra e os canais acessórios foram observados principalmente nos terços médio e apical. Os parâmetros bidimensionais indicaram canais radiculares com secção oval e alta frequência de divisões canal principal (87,15%). A configuração Tipo V do canal radicular foi a mais prevalente (58,57%). A presença de canais em forma de C foi observada em 13 pré-molares (18,57%), enquanto a espessura dentinária variou de 1,0 a 1,31 mm. Os sulcos radiculares nos primeiros pré-molares inferiores foram associados à ocorrência de várias complexidades anatômicas, incluindo canais em forma de C e múltiplas divisões do canal principal.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological features of 70 single-rooted mandibular first premolars with radicular grooves (RG) using micro-CT technology. Teeth were scanned and evaluated regarding the morphology of the roots and root canals as well as length, depth and percentage frequency location of the RG. Volume, surface area and Structure Model Index (SMI) of the canals were measured for the full root length. Two-dimensional parameters and frequency of canal orifices were evaluated at 1, 2, and 3 mm levels from the apical foramen. The number of accessory canals, the dentinal thickness, and cross-sectional appearance of the canal at different root levels were also recorded. Expression of deep grooves was observed in 21.42% of the sample. Mean lengths of root and RG were 13.43 mm and 8.5 mm, respectively, while depth of the RG ranged from 0.75 to 1.13 mm. Mean canal volume, surface area and SMI were 10.78 mm3, 58.51 mm2, and 2.84, respectively. Apical delta was present in 4.35% of the sample and accessory canals were observed mostly at the middle and apical thirds. Two-dimensional parameters indicated an oval-shaped cross-sectional appearance of the root canal with a high percentage frequency of canal divisions (87.15%). Canal configuration type V (58.57%) was the most prevalent. C-shaped configuration was observed in 13 premolars (18.57%), whereas dentinal thickness ranged from 1.0 to 1.31 mm. Radicular grooves in mandibular first premolars was associated with the occurrence of several anatomical complexities, including C-shaped canals and divisions of the main root canal.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relação de causa-efeito entre o preparo do canal radicular com o sistema ProTaper Universal (PTU) e a formação de defeitos dentinários usando a análise por micro-tomografia computadorizada (micro-CT). Quarenta raízes mesiais de molares inferiores com a configuração tipo II de Vertucci foram escaneadas com resolução isotrópica de 14.16 μm. A amostra foi distribuída em um grupo experimental (n = 30) e um grupo controle (n = 10), e os canais mesiais foram preparados com o sistema PTU até a lima F2. As amostras do grupo experimental foram escaneadas e as imagens de secção transversal das raízes mesiais, antes e após o preparo, foram analisadas para identificar a presença de defeitos dentinários. No grupo controle, os dentes foram seccionados perpendicularmente em relação ao longo eixo da raiz em fatias de 1 mm de espessura (n = 80) e examinados ao microscópio óptico. Uma vez detectado um defeito dentinário, a fatia foi escaneada através da micro-CT. No grupo experimental, defeitos dentinários foram observados em 4.828 secções transversais (24,04%). Em todas as imagens de secção transversal, os defeitos dentinários após os procedimentos experimentais já estavam presentes na secção pré-operatória correspondente. No grupo controle, 13 das 80 fatias (16,25%) apresentaram pelo menos um defeito dentinário visualizado através do microscópio, o qual foi identificado em um escaneamento posterior. A micro-CT mostrou confiabilidade com a microscopia óptica para detecção e visualização dos defeitos dentinários, permitindo acompanhar o tecido dentinário antes e depois do preparo do canal. O preparo do canal radicular com o sistema PTU não induziu a formação de novos defeitos dentinários.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the cause-effect relationship between canal preparation with ProTaper Universal (PTU) system and dentinal defects formation using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. Forty mesial canals of mandibular molars with a type II Vertucci's canal configuration were scanned at an isotropic resolution of 14.16 µm. The sample was assigned to an experimental (n = 30) and a control (n = 10) groups, and the mesial canals were prepared with PTU system up to F2 instrument. The specimens from the experimental group were scanned and the cross-section images of the mesial roots, before and after preparation, were screened to identify the presence of dentinal defects. In the control group, the specimens were sectioned perpendicularly to the long axis of the root into 1-mm-thick slices (n = 80) and examined under optical microscope. Once a dentinal defect was detected, the slice was scanned through micro-CT. In the experimental group, dentinal micro-cracks were observed in 4,828 slices (24.04%). In all cross-section images, dentinal defects identified in the postoperative images were already present in the corresponding preoperative image. In the control group, 13 out of 80 slices (16.25%) had at least one dentinal defect visualized under stereomicroscopy, which was identified after a further micro-CT scanning. Micro-CT showed reliability as similar as optical microscopy in detecting dentinal defects, adding the possibility of tracking the dentinal tissue, before and after canal preparation, and providing a clear visualization of micro-cracks. Root canal preparation with PTU system did not induce the formation of new dentinal defects.

Resumo A relação do forame principal com o ápice anatômico da raiz tem sido objeto de vários estudos. Embora estejam anatomicamente próximos, eles raramente coincidem, e a sua distância pode variar de acordo com a idade ou o tipo de dente, oscilando entre 0,2 e 3,0 mm. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar que a saída foraminal do canal mediano (MMC), presente na raiz mesial de molares inferiores, pode apresentar variações significativas, atingindo distâncias acima de 3 mm do ápice anatômico. Vinte e cinco primeiros molares inferiores com MMC foram escaneados (resolução de 9,9 mm) e a distância do forame principal ao ápice anatômico avaliada. Em geral, a distância mostrou variações consideráveis; no entanto, em 3 espécimes esta distância ficou acima de 3 mm. Este estudo teve como objetivo relatar que a saída do forame principal de canais medianos de primeiros molares inferiores pode apresentar variações consideráveis, podendo atingir distâncias maiores do que as relatadas previamente na literatura.

Abstract The relationship of the main foramen to the anatomic root apex has been the subject of several studies. Although they are anatomically close, they rarely coincide, and their distance can vary according to age or tooth type, ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 mm. The aim of this short communication was to evaluate the distance between the main foramen of independent middle mesial canals (MMCs) and the anatomical mesial root apex of mandibular first molars using the micro-computed tomography. Twenty-five mandibular first molars with MMCs were scanned (resolution of 9.9 µm), and the distance from its main foramen to the anatomical apex was evaluated. Overall, the distance ranged from 0.2 to 2.4 mm; however, in 3 specimens the distance was greater than 3 mm. This report demonstrates that the exit of the main foramen of the MMC varies considerably and could approach a substantial distance from the anatomical apex greater than previously reported in the literature.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a porcentagem de área não-instrumentada de canais radiculares preparados com diferentes ampliações utilizando sistemas reciprocantes de lima única (Reciproc e WaveOne) e um sistema rotatório convencional de múltiplas limas (BioRaCe) usando a análise da micro tomografia computadorizada. Trinta raízes mesiais de molares inferiores com curvatura moderada (10º a 20º) apresentando a configuração classe II de Vertucci e semelhança de volume do canal foram selecionadas e escaneadas em uma resolução isotrópica de 14,16 µm. A amostra foi dividida em 3 grupos (n=10) de acordo com o sistema utilizado para a preparação do canal radicular: grupo Reciproc, grupo WaveOne e grupo BioRaCe. Segundo e terceiro escaneamentos foram realizados após os canais serem preparados com instrumentos tamanhos 25 e 40, respectivamente. As imagens registradas de voxels da área de superfície dos canais, antes e após o preparo, foram examinadas desde o nível da furca até o ápice para quantificar a superfície não instrumentada. Os dados foram comparados estatisticamente através de GLM para medidas repetidas com um nível de significância de 5%. Os sistemas de instrumentação não influenciaram o percentual de superfícies não tocadas dos canais radiculares (p=0,690), enquanto que uma redução significativa no percentual de voxels estáticos foi observada após o alargamento do canal radicular (p=0,010) em todos os grupos (p=0,507). Nenhum dos sistemas foi capaz de preparar toda a área de superfície do canal mesial dos molares inferiores. O aumento do tamanho final apical resultou num efeito positivo significativo sobre a capacidade de modelar dos sistemas testados.

The aim of this study was to compare the percentage of non-instrumented area of root canals prepared with different enlargements using single-file reciprocating systems (Reciproc and WaveOne) and a conventional multi-file rotary (BioRaCe) system by micro-computed tomographic analysis. Thirty mesial roots of mandibular molars with moderate curvature (10° to 20°) presenting a type II Vertucci canal configuration and similar internal volume were chosen and scanned at an isotropic resolution of 14.16 µm. The sample was assigned to 3 groups (n=10) according to the system used for root canal preparation: Reciproc, WaveOne, and BioRaCe groups. Second and third scans were taken after the canals were prepared with instruments sizes 25 and 40, respectively. The recorded images of the surface area voxels of the canals, before and after preparation were examined from the furcation level to the apex to quantify the non-instrumented surface. Statistical data were compared using GLM for repeated-measures with a significance level set at 5%. Instrumentation systems did not influence the percentage of untouched root canal surfaces (p=0.690) whilst a significant reduction in the percentage of static voxels was observed after the enlargement of the root canal (p=0.010) in all groups (p=0.507). None of the systems was able to prepare the entire surface area of the mesial root canal of mandibular molars. The increased final apical size resulted in a significant positive effect on the shaping ability of the tested systems.

Abstract: The endodontic preparation of curved and narrow root canals is challenging, with a tendency for the prepared canal to deviate away from its natural axis. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by cone-beam computed tomography, the transportation and centering ability of curved mesiobuccal canals in maxillary molars after biomechanical preparation with different nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary systems. Forty teeth with angles of curvature ranging from 20° to 40° and radii between 5.0 mm and 10.0 mm were selected and assigned into four groups (n = 10), according to the biomechanical preparative system used: Hero 642 (HR), Liberator (LB), ProTaper (PT), and Twisted File (TF). The specimens were inserted into an acrylic device and scanned with computed tomography prior to, and following, instrumentation at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the root apex. The canal degree of transportation and centering ability were calculated and analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests (α = 0.05). The results demonstrated no significant difference (p> 0.05) in shaping ability among the rotary systems. The mean canal transportation was: -0.049 ± 0.083 mm (HR); -0.004 ± 0.044 mm (LB); -0.003 ± 0.064 mm (PT); -0.021 ± 0.064 mm (TF). The mean canal centering ability was: -0.093 ± 0.147 mm (HR); -0.001 ± 0.100 mm (LB); -0.002 ± 0.134 mm (PT); -0.033 ± 0.133 mm (TF). Also, there was no significant difference among the root segments (p> 0.05). It was concluded that the Hero 642, Liberator, ProTaper, and Twisted File rotary systems could be safely used in curved canal instrumentation, resulting in satisfactory preservation of the original canal shape.

Objective: To evaluate the shaping ability of Reciproc and Twisted-File Adaptive systems in rapid prototyping replicas. Material and Methods: Two mandibular molars showing S-shaped and 62-degree curvatures in the mesial root were scanned by using a microcomputed tomography (μCT) system. The data were exported in the stereolitograhic format and 20 samples of each molar were printed at 16 µm resolution. The mesial canals of 10 replicas of each specimen were prepared with each system. Transportation was measured by overlapping radiographs taken before and after preparation and resin thickness after instrumentation was measured by μCT. Results: Both systems maintained the original shape of the apical third in both anatomies (P>0.05). Overall, considering the resin thickness in the 62-degree replicas, no statistical difference was found between the systems (P>0.05). In the S-shaped curvature replica, Reciproc significantly decreased the thickness of the resin walls in comparison with TF Adaptive. Conclusions: The evaluated systems were able to maintain the original shape at the apical third of severely curved mesial canals of molar replicas.