Effect of endodontic rotary instruments on the furcation: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate and measure the residual dentin thickness from the furcation entrance to the canal orifice after canal preparation using endodontic rotary instruments in extracted mandibular first molars. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 extracted mandibular molars were included in the study. They are further divided into three groups as follows: Group A, B, and C (n = 5) and subjected to canal preparation using commonly available rotary instruments such as Gates Glidden, Hero Shaper, and Pro Taper, respectively. All the prepared mesiobuccal root canals were subjected to computed tomography imaging technique, to calculate the residual dentin thickness and the distance from the furcation entrance to the canal orifice. Results: The results showed that there was a statistical significant increase in the volume of the mesiobuccal canal of the mandibular first molars with all the three rotary instruments. The comparison made between preoperative, and postoperative measurements showed statistical significance between Group A versus Group C (P = 0.0039*), but no significant difference found between Group A versus B and Group B versus C. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present study, it can be concluded that the amount of dentin removed from the danger zone in the mesiobuccal canal of the mandibular first molars was more with Protaper than gates Glidden. Hence, the use of newer endodontic rotary instruments in the danger zone may pose a risk for furcation involvement.