Micro–computed Tomography Assessment of Dentinal Micro-cracks after Root Canal Preparation with TRUShape and Self-adjusting File Systems

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the percentage frequency of dentinal micro-cracks observed after root canal preparation with TRUShape and Self-Adjusting File (SAF) systems by means of micro–computed tomography imaging analysis. A conventional full-sequence rotary system (BioRace) and a single-file reciprocation system (Reciproc) were used as reference techniques for comparison because of their known assertive cutting efficiency. MethodsForty anatomically matched mandibular incisors were selected, scanned at a resolution of 14.25 μm, and assigned to 4 experimental groups (n = 10), according to the preparation protocol: TRUShape, SAF, BioRace, and Reciproc systems. After the experimental procedures, the specimens were scanned again, and the registered preoperative and postoperative cross-section images of the roots (n = 70,030) were screened to identify the presence of dentinal micro-cracks. ResultsOverall, dentinal defects were observed in 28,790 cross-section images (41.11%). In the TRUShape, SAF, BioRace, and Reciproc groups, dentinal micro-cracks were visualized in 56.47% (n = 9842), 42.38% (n = 7450), 32.90% (n = 5826), and 32.77% (n = 5672) of the slices, respectively. All dentinal defects observed in the postoperative data sets were already present in the corresponding preoperative images. ConclusionsNone of the preparation systems induced the formation of new dentinal micro-cracks.