Detection of dentinal cracks after use of piezoelectric device and surgical bur during root-end resection: An ex vivo comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: The piezoelectric device was implemented successfully in many oral and maxillofacial surgeries. However, in endodontic surgery, it is not widely used due to lack of scientific support. Thus, the aim of the conducted study was to compare the formation of the cracks of roots resected with piezoelectric surgery versus high-speed surgical bur using scanning electron microscopy. Materials and Methods: Sixty single-rooted human teeth were accessed followed by canal preparation with rotary files and filled with gutta-percha. The teeth were mounted on plastic cylindrical test tubes and emerged within the impression material to simulate periodontal ligament. Consequently, the teeth were divided into three groups: the control group (n = 10), piezoelectric group (n = 25), and the surgical bur group (n = 25). The surface of the resected root was examined under scanning electron microscopy for cracks detection. The one-way analysis of variance test was used to investigate the number and types of cracks at a significance level of 95%. Results: Dentinal cracks were detected in all groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of cracks between the three groups, but they differed in terms of crack type. Conclusions: All tested groups produce cracks on resected root surface, whereas the piezoelectric presented with satisfactory result.