An in vitro evaluation of dentinal microcrack formation during root canal preparations by three different nickel–titanium systems: ProTaper Gold, HyFlex CM, and Silk

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to compare the frequency of dentinal microcracks after root canal shaping with three different nickel–titanium (NiTi) systems, namely, ProTaper Gold (PG), HyFlex CM (HCM), and Silk. Methods: One hundred mandibular premolars with a single canal were chosen for this study. All specimens were decoronated and divided into four groups of 25 each. Teeth were mounted in the acrylic block with simulated periodontal ligaments. Group I served as a negative control Group, in which no treatment was performed. Biomechanical preparation was done in the Group II, using the Protaper gold file system. Group III, using the Hyflex CM file system and Group IV, using the Silk file system. Specimens were horizontally sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex using the low-speed diamond disc under water cooling. The slices were then viewed under a stereomicroscope at ×25 to determine the presence of cracks. The absence or presence of cracks was recorded, and the data were analyzed with a Chi-square test. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Coronal section showed lesser crack formation in all three groups after biomechanical preparation. More number of dentinal microcracks were seen in the apical sections, followed by the middle and the coronal sections in Group II (PG), followed by Group IV (Silk), and Group III (HCM), respectively. Group II showed more microcracks at all three levels of the root canals when compared with Groups III and IV. Intergroup analysis showed no statistically significant difference in microcrack formation. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that NiTi instruments may cause cracks on the root surface. HCM and Silk files tend to produce a less number of cracks as compared to PG instruments.