ProTaper Files Research Articles

Retrievability of Odontopaste and Metapex With 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid and 10% Maleic Acid From Root Canals: An Invitro Study.

AimTo evaluate the efficacy of 10% maleic acid in comparison with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in the removal of intracanal medicaments from the root canal system.Materials and methodsForty-eight extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated to standardize the length of 14 mm. Chemomechanical preparation was done using the crown-down technique with Protaper files (Dentsply‑Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) till F4, followed by irrigation with 2 ml of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) after each instrument, and 5 ml of 17% EDTA was used as the final irrigating agent.Metapex (Meta Dental Corp. Ltd., Elmhurst, NY, USA) and Odontopaste (Australian Dental Manufacturing, Kenmore Hills, Qld, Australia) were the two intracanal medicaments that were used in this study.Total samples were divided into two groups based on the intracanal medicament that was placed in the canal. In group 1, Metapex was injected into the root canal until the material extruded through the apex. In group 2, Odontopaste was placed into the canal until the material extruded through the root apex. Cleaning off the excess medicament was done with a moist cotton pellet. After temporary sealing with a cotton pellet and Cavit, all the samples were stored at 37 ºC and 100% relative humidity for a period of seven days. The teeth in each group were further randomly divided into three subgroups on the basis of the irrigant used for retrieval of medicament. In groups 1A and 2A, 1ml of 17% EDTA was used; in groups 1B and 2B, 1ml of 10% maleic acid was used; in groups 1C and 2C, 1ml of 0.9% saline was used. Sonic agitation for 1 minute, followed by a final rinse of 1 ml distilled water, was used in all the groups.After the intracanal medicament was removed from the canal, the roots were longitudinally sectioned using a diamond disk (Bego, Berman, Germany). The residual medicament on each section was evaluated under a stereomicroscope (×30; Medilux, MDL-DS4-BI, Biosystems, Curitiba, PR, Brazil). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test (post hoc) were applied for intergroup comparisons. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied for intragroup comparisons.ResultsBoth the chelators, 17% EDTA and 10% maleic acid, removed the Odontopaste significantly better than Metapex. However, 17% EDTA was more effective in the removal of Odontopaste. 10% Maleic acid showed better results in the removal of Metapex than 17% EDTA.ConclusionNone of the chelating agents was able to totally retrieve the intracanal medicaments. When compared to Metapex, Odontopaste showed significantly better retrievability from the root canal with both 17% EDTA and 10% Maleic acid, whereas the retrievability of Metapex was significantly better with 10% Maleic acid in comparison to 17% EDTA.

Microleakage of five separated nickel-titanium rotary file systems in the apical portion of the root canal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of apical microleakage following the fracture of five types of nickel-titanium rotary file systems (ProTaper Universal, Mtwo, RaCe, Revo-s, HeroShaper) in the apical one-third of the canal. In this laboratory experiment, 49 mandibular premolars were collected and randomly divided into seven groups. Root canal treatment was performed by five different rotary file systems with different cross-sections. All files, except in the control groups, were scratched at the 3-mm end by a handpiece. After separation of the apical end of the file in the root canal, the apical seal was measured, using the fluid infiltration technique. Data were analyzed in SPSS, using one-way ANOVA and Tamhane's T2 tests at P < 0.05. The Hero Shaper and RaCe files showed the highest (3.14 μL/min) and the lowest (2.51 µL/min) rates of microleakage over time, respectively. There were significant differences between the Hero Shaper and RaCe files and between Hero Shaper and ProTaper files in terms of microleakage (Tamhane's T2 tests, P < 0.05). The presence of a separated file and its cross-section type affects the apical microleakage.

Diabetes Mellitus Affects the Microhardness of Root Dentine: An in-vitro Study.

ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to compare microhardness and erosion susceptibility of root dentine in teeth extracted from diabetic and non-diabetic donors after the application of different root canal irrigants.MethodsForty-eight single-rooted premolars with single canals (24 each from diabetic and non-diabetic) were selected, and root canals were shaped by using rotary ProTaper files. Dentine slices of 4 mm were transversely sectioned from the middle root third. Specimens were assigned to four subgroups (n=6) and irrigated for 5 minutes: 1) 2.6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); 2) 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); 3) 2% chlorhexidine (CHX); and 4) normal saline. Surface microhardness was determined at 100- and 500-µm depths from the pulp–dentine interface. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to determine the severity of dentine erosion. Data were analyzed by using two-way ANOVA, Post-hoc Tukey’s, and Chi-square tests (P<0.05).ResultsDiabetes as well as NaOCl and EDTA decreased surface microhardness of dentine significantly (P<0.05). Diabetes had little effect on the erosion susceptibility of dentine (P>0.05).ConclusionRoot canal irrigants can significantly lower the microhardness; specifically, in diabetic patients, and may be a factor affecting the longevity of root canal-treated teeth.

Effect of RaCe, ProTaper, and V-Taper rotary systems on dentinal crack formation during endodontic treatment: An in vitro study.

Background. Prevention of dentinal crack formation is of utmost importance in endodontic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RaCe, ProTaper, and V-Taper rotary systems on dentinal crack formation in three root regions during endodontic treatment. Methods. Seventy human mandibular first molars were selected randomly, and their distal roots were used. Ten samples were assigned to the control group, and sixty samples were assigned to three groups (n=20). Each group was prepared with RaCe, ProTaper, or V-Taper rotary files according to the manufacturers’ instructions. A stereomicroscope was used to view cracks at ×40 magnification. Friedman’s, chi-squared, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis of data (P < 0.05). Results. A comparison of the three rotary systems did not reveal any significant differences in the number of cracks between the three root thirds evaluated (P > 0.05). A comparison of the number of cracks in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds in each rotary system showed that the number of cracks in the middle third was fewer than that in the two other thirds only in the V-Taper group (P < 0.05), with no significant differences in the ProTaper and RaCe groups between the different root regions (P > 0.05). Conclusion. The application of RaCe, ProTaper, and V-Taper rotary files resulted in a similar rate of crack formation in endodontic treatment. V-Taper files created the minimum number of cracks in the middle third.

Assessment of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Nano Chitosan, Chlorhexidine, Chlorhexidine/Nano Chitosan Combination versus Sodium Hypochlorite Irrigation in Patients with Necrotic Mandibular Premolars: A Randomized Clinical Trial

AIM: The study was done to assess the antimicrobial effectiveness of Chitosan Nanoparticles (CNPs), Chlorhexidine (CHX), and their combination (CHX/CNPs) versus that of Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in patients with mandibular necrotic premolars and to evaluate their effects on post-operative pain after single-visit endodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with necrotic mandibular premolars were divided randomly to four groups (n = 15) according to the used irrigating solution. Instrumentation was done using rotary ProTaper files. During instrumentation, irrigation was done using 2.5% NaOCl; afterward, canals were flushed with sterile saline. A final flush with the study irrigants was done as follows: 3% CNPs for Group A, 2% CHX for Group B, CHX/CNPs for Group C, and 5.25% NaOCl for Group D. Samples were collected from root canals before and after canal preparation then cultured to assess the number of colony-forming units/ml. All patients were instructed to record their pre- and post-operative pain levels on a numerical rating scale. RESULTS: CNPs and CHX/CNPs were significantly more effective than either CHX or NaOCl; however, there was no significant difference between them against anaerobic bacteria. All tested irrigants were similarly effective against aerobic bacteria. CNPs and CHX/CNPs were associated with significantly lower post-operative pain levels in the first 24 h after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CNPs and its combination with CHX are significantly more effective than both CHX and NaOCl against anaerobic bacteria isolated from necrotic mandibular premolars. Post-operative pain intensity was significantly lower with CNPs and CNPs/CHX combination than with either NaOCl or CHX.

The effect of changing apical foramen diameter on regenerative potential of mature teeth with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of permanent necrotic mature teeth with different apical foramen diameters in comparison to conventional endodontic treatment. Pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis were induced in premolars (144 roots) in six mongrel dogs. The infected teeth were divided into six groups; conventional root canal treatment (RCT) group prepared up to apical preparation sizes #F3 ProTaper file, regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) groups; groups RET-F3, RET-F4, and RET-F5 where regenerative endodontic procedures were applied after apical preparation up to sizes #F3, F4, and F5 ProTaper file, respectively, control groups; and positive (P) and negative (N) groups included infected and healthy teeth respectively. Each group (12 teeth with 24 roots each) was further subdivided into two subgroups (6 teeth with 12 roots each) according to the evaluation periods 1 and 3months; each group was equally randomized in the upper and lower jaws during each evaluation period. The inflammatory cell counts for the RCT group were statistically significantly higher than that of all RET groups at the first period and only significantly higher than RET-F5 at the second period. The enlargement of the apical foramen to #F5 showed no statistically significant difference with #F4 regarding the inflammatory cell count, tissue in-growth inside the root canal, and percentage of bone resorption. The tissue formed after RET was not true pulp tissue and is considered tissue repair with connective tissue, dilated blood vessels, and cementum-like structures.  CONCLUSION: Increasing the apical size diameter was associated with less inflammatory cell count, less percentage of bone resorption, more tissue ingrowth, and more percentage of new hard tissue formation inside root canal. The minimum apical diameter that should be enlarged for RET is 0.4mm. RET could be used as an alternative procedure to RCT for the treatment of mature teeth with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis.

Influence of Coronal Preflaring on the Accuracy of Electronic Working Length Determination: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Aim. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the following PICO question: in extracted human permanent teeth, does preflaring, compared with unflared canals, influence the accuracy of WL determination with EAL? Material and Methods. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist, using the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies related to WL determination using EAL both in preflared and unflared root canals of extracted human teeth were included. The outcome of interest was the accuracy of the electronic WL determination. A quality assessment of the included studies was performed, determining the risk of bias. The meta-analyses were calculated with the 5.4 RevMan software using the inverse variance method with random effects. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021243412. Results. Ten experimental studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and most of them found that preflaring increases the accuracy of the EALs in WL determination. The calculated OR was 1.98 (95% CI = 1.65–2.37; p < 0.00001; I2 = 10%), indicating that the determination of WL by EALs is almost twice as accurate in preflared canals. The accuracy of Root ZX in WL determination increases more than three times (OR = 3.25; p < 0.00001). Preflaring with Protaper files significantly increases the accuracy of EALs (OR = 1.76; p < 0.00001). The total risk of bias of the included studies was low. No obvious publication bias was observed. Conclusions. The results indicate a significant increase in the accuracy of WL determination with EAL after preflaring, doubling the percentage of exact measurements. Preflaring should be recommended as an important step during mechanical enlargement of the root canal, not only because it improves the access of the files to the canal, but also because it allows one to obtain more accurate electronic determinations of WL.

Cone-beam computed tomographic analysis of apical transportation and centering ratio of ProTaper and XP-endo Shaper NiTi rotary systems in curved canals: an in vitro study

BackgroundCleaning and shaping of the root canal system is an important step of endodontic treatment. Canal transportation is a common procedural error in preparation of curved canals. This study aimed to compare the canal transportation and centering ratio of two rotary files in curved canals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).MethodsForty-four extracted human mandibular first molars with mature apices and 10° to 30° apical curvature were selected. The samples were randomly divided into two groups (n = 22) with similar curvature. The canals were prepared with ProTaper and XP-endo Shaper file systems according to the manufacturers’ instructions. The CBCT images were obtained using Cranex 3D CBCT scanner before and after root canal preparation, and canal transportation and centering ratio of the files at 3, 4 and 5 mm levels from the apex were calculated. Data were compared between the two groups using independent t-test at 0.05 level of significance.ResultsThe ProTaper Universal caused greater canal transportation and had lower centering ratio than XP-endo Shaper in both mesiodistal and buccolingual directions at all levels from the apex. The difference between the two groups regarding canal transportation was significant at all levels from the apex in buccolingual direction (P < 0.05) except for 3 mm from the apex (P > 0.05). The difference between the two groups regarding centering ratio was not significant (P > 0.05) in mesiodistal direction at all levels except for 4 mm from the apex (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe ProTaper Universal causes greater canal transportation in both buccolingual and mesiodistal directions than XP-endo Shaper.

Effect of Diabetes on Rotary Instrumentation of Dentin

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus (DM) may affect the physical and mechanical properties of dentin, which could potentially have an impact on root canal procedures. This study aimed to compare the amount of dentin removed by an endodontic rotary file, comparing dentin from diabetic patients with dentin from control patients under laboratory conditions. MethodsThe amount of dentin removed was tested using new F3 ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) files applied against the surface of prepared dentin discs for 3 different groups: diabetic type 1 (D1), diabetic type 2 (D2), and nondiabetic (normal). The dentin removed was determined by measuring the depth of penetration of the file using a digital caliper and by measuring the weight loss. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, analysis of variance, post hoc Tukey, and Pearson correlation tests (P < .05). ResultsSignificantly more dentin was removed, and the penetration of the F3 instrument was significantly higher (P < .05) in DM specimens. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the D1, D2, and normal groups (P < .05) for the weight loss of the specimen as well as the penetration depth at point B (P < .05). Both the weight loss and depth of penetration showed a very high positive correlation (P < .05). ConclusionsThe dentin of patients suffering from both D1 and D2 exhibited an increased amount of dentin removed compared with the nondiabetic dentin specimens. This can be observed by the increased penetration of the rotary instruments into dentin. Under certain circumstances, this may impact instrumentation, increasing procedural accidents and leading to subsequent weakening of root canal–treated teeth in diabetic patients.

Evaluation of antibacterial efficiency of root canal disinfection by using Qmix an irrigating solution in root canal system &amp;#40;an in-vitro study&amp;#41;

Background : The major cause of pulpal and periapical diseases are living and non living irritants. The living irritants include various microorganisms including bacteria, yeast and viruses. The success of endondotic treatment depends on eradication of these microorganisms and prevention of reinfection. Mechanical instrumentation alone does not result in microorganism free root canal system, due to complex root canal anatomy. Thus, irrigants are essential to ensure microbial minimization and elimination of organic tissue remnants. Qmix irrigating solution used as a final rinse after bleach for one step smear layer removal and disinfection and eliminate greater than 99.99% of planktonic bacteria including the resistant species E.faecalis. Objective: The aim of this invitro study is to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of qmix irrigant in infected root canal system. Material and Methods: Crowns of 60 extracted premolar teeth were sectioned at the cemento-enamel junction. The samples were stored temporarily in physiological saline solution. The canals were shaped using crown down technique upto F3 protaper file. Enterococcus faecalis was inoculated on Brain heart infusion (BHI) agar plate and incubated anaerobically at 37 ?C for 24 h. After incubation, the specimens were removed and then rinsed. In the negative group (n=20), there was no treatment. In the other group (n=20), the sections were irrigated with 5 mL of 5.25% NaOCl for 60 s. The third group (n=20) is treated with Qmix solution for 60-90 seconds. After the disinfection procedures, samples were subjected to CFUcounting evaluations. Results: After irrigation, the elimination of bacteria and the smear layer in the positive group were significantly superior, compared with the negative group (p Conclusion: Both irrigating solution groups, especially the Qmix group, showed satisfactory bactericidal effects in experimentally contaminated root canals. Keywords: Qmix, E.faecalis.

Effect of photodynamic therapy using diode laser and a novel plant extract irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans

BackgroundTo evaluate the antibacterial effect of diode laser and photodynamic therapy using methylene blue dye when used alone or in combination with Moringa oleifera extract on root canal microbes. A total of 50 single root canals with single straight canals were prepared with ProTaper files, sterilized in an autoclave device, contaminated with root canal microbes (Enterococcus faecalis and Candidia albicans) and placed in incubator for 21 days. They were then randomly divided into 6 groups. Laser group: (10 root canals) were subjected to laser only. Moringa group: (10 root canals) were irrigated using plant extract only (Moringa). PDT group: (10 root canals) were irrigated using Moringa and Methylene blue then subjected to laser. Methylene blue and laser group: (10 root canals) were irrigated using methylene blue then subjected to laser. Negative control group: (10 root canals) weren't irrigated. After treatment microbial assessment (colony count) was done. Data was analyzed using ANOVAs test.ResultsMoringa/laser group and PDT group showed statistically least bacterial count for both E. faecalis and Candida albicans. Moringa only group showed statistically less bacterial count than control group.ConclusionThe combined use of PDT together with Moringa oleifera has the best antimicrobial effect.

Evaluation of microcrack formation during root canal preparation using hand, rotary files and self-adjusting file in primary teeth: An in vitro study.

Background. Pediatric endodontics is a field with constant evolution, resulting in the shifting of paradigms from the use of conventional hand files to rotary files for biomechanical preparation in primary teeth. Biomechanical preparation plays a crucial role in the success of root canal treatment. Primary teeth need special attention since they differ from permanent teeth in root canal morphology. Cleaning and shaping of the canals damage the root dentin, leading to dentinal cracks. Newer techniques for root canal preparation, including Ni-Ti rotary files and SAF system, have been developed for use in pediatric endodontics to overcome the drawbacks of conventional methods. The present study compared dentinal defects formed by rotary systems in primary teeth.Methods. Eighty primary teeth were included. The teeth were decoronated with a diamond disc. All the roots were inspected for any pre-existing cracks or craze lines under transmitted light under a stereomicroscope. The specimens were then divided into four groups (n=20): group 1: control, group 2: hand files (HF), group 3: ProTaper files, and group IV: SAF files. The samples were instrumented according to the group they were assigned to. Results. The HF and SAF groups exhibited fewer microcracks. Dentinal microcracks were observed in roots prepared with rotary ProTaper files. There were significant differences between HF/SAF and rotary files (P <0.05). Conclusion. Stainless steel hand K-files and SAF instruments resulted in fewer dentinal damage than the ProTaper Universal files. SAF exhibited satisfactory results with minimal or no crack formation.

Corrosion resistance assessment of nickel-titanium endodontic files with and without heat treatment.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the corrosion resistance of heat-treated (Reciproc and WaveOne) and non-heat-treated (ProTaper and Mtwo) superelastic nickel-titanium endodontic files when immersed in a 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution.Materials and MethodsAnodic polarization curves were obtained with potential sweeps that began at the open circuit potential or corrosion potential (Ecorr). The pitting potential (Epit) was identified on the anodic polarization curve as the potential at which a sudden increase in current was observed. The micromorphology of the 28 tested files was analyzed before and after the electrochemical assay using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance with the post hoc Bonferroni test (for Ecorr) and the Student t-test for independent samples (for Epit).ResultsThe mean Ecorr values were 0.506 V for ProTaper, 0.348 V for Mtwo, 0.542 V for Reciproc, and 0.321 V for WaveOne files. Only WaveOne and Protaper files exhibited pitting corrosion, with Epit values of 0.879 V and 0.904 V, respectively. On the SEM images of the ProTaper and WaveOne files, cavities suggestive of pitting corrosion were detected.ConclusionsSigns of corrosion were observed in both heat-treated and non-heat-treated files. Of the evaluated files, WaveOne (a heat-treated file) and ProTaper (a non-heat-treated file) exhibited the lowest corrosion resistance.

The Effect of Speed and Rotation for Protaper File Systems on Postobturation Pain in a Single Visit and Multiple (Two) Visits in Root Canal Therapy: An In Vivo Study.

ABSTRACTIntroduction:The basic idea of a root canal treatment is to alleviate the pain and heal the infection within the infected tooth, which can be resolved in a single visit or multiple visits in root canal therapy. Therefore, in this article, an in vivo comparison of single visits and multiple visits using different rotation and speed for two Protaper universal design file systems is done on the basis of time taken and incidence of pain.Materials and Methods:One hundred single-rooted premolars with irreversible symptomatic pulpitis were assigned to two groups of 50 patients each using the odd–even method, GA to be treated endodontically in a single visit and GB to be treated endodontically in multiple visits. Each group was further divided into two subgroups of 25 patients each on the basis of two different variations of speed and rotation for two Protaper file systems of the same design, GA1 (Hand Protapers) and GA2 (Rotary Protapers), GB1 (Hand Protapers) and GB2 (Rotary Protapers), respectively. After proper biomechanical shaping and cleaning, obturation was done with Gutta-percha cones and Ah plus sealer using Fast Pack obturation pen for warm vertical compaction. The pain was measured by a 100 mm modified visual analogue scale, and time was measured using a stopwatch.Results:At 6-h intervals, post-obturation pain was more in single-visit root canal therapy than multiple-visit root canal therapy (P < 0.01). Single-visit rotary Protaper (GA2) had less incidence of post-obturation pain as compared with single-visit hand protapers (GA1) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in post-obturation pain in the multiple-visit hand protaper subgroup (GB1) and multiple-visit rotary protaper subgroup (GB2) (P > 0.05). Preoperative pain significantly influences the post-obturation pain. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 17.0 statistical Analysis Software.Conclusions:The presence of preoperative pain can significantly influence the presence of postoperative pain. Most of the pain in both single-visit and multiple-visits root canal therapy occurred in the first 48 h after obturation, which decreases thereafter. Single-visit rotary protaper (GA2) had less incidence of post-obturation pain as compared with single-visit hand protapers (GA1). There was no significant difference in post-obturation pain in the multiple-visit hand protaper subgroup (GB1) and multiple-visit rotary protaper subgroup (GB2). Presence of sealer puff influences the duration of pain.

Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Effect of Different Taper and Technique of Biomechanical Preparation on Root Dentin Thickness: An in Vitro Study

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) after instrumentation with different endodontic file systems through CBCT. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 40 extracted, untreated human mandibular Premolars, with curvature less than 20° were divided into four groups (n=10, each group). Biomechanical preparation was done according to the group where, Group 1 included SS Hand K files, Group 2 included Hand ProTaper files, Group 3 included ProFile rotary files, and Group 4 included ProTaper Gold rotary files. CBCT images of Pre and Post instrumented canals were taken, and RDT was measured at 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm from the radiographic root apex. Results: Results of the present study showed that Group 2 removed the maximum amount of root dentin compared to other groups, Group 3 and 4 instrumentation techniques removed almost equal amounts of dentin while Group 1 removed the least amount of root dentin. Conclusion: It can be concluded that engine driven Ni-Ti instruments better maintain the anatomy of the root canal during instrumentation with lesser removal of root dentin as compared to hand instruments.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Different Herbal Based Irrigant Solutions in Deciduous Teeth

Introduction: Endodontic infection requires the successful removal of microorganisms from the root canal system. The most effective irrigant solution is sodium hypochlorite, but possible problems due to its toxicity require the look for new alternatives. Constant increases in antibiotic resistance and side-effects caused by chemical irrigation have shifted research towards the production of herbal alternatives, especially in paediatric dentistry. Aim: To evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of miswak, green tea, chamomile and 0.5% NaOCl as an endodontic irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis in primary root canals. Materials and Methods: The in-vitro study was conducted at the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Department of Microbiology, College of Dentistry, University of Duhok from January 2020 till June 2020. Seventy five freshly extracted intact human mandibular primary molars were decoronated at Cemento-Enamel Junction (CEJ) and distal roots were separated and biomechanically prepared up to F3 Protaper file and stored in normal saline. The specimens were inoculated with Enterococccus faecalis suspension and incubated for 72 hours. Specimens were divided into five groups containing fifteen teeth each (n=15). Freshly prepared alcoholic extracts of miswak, green tea and chamomile were used as an irrigant solution against E.faecalis compared to NaOCl as positive control and normal saline as negative control. Swabs were collected using F3 protaper paper points. The number of colonies was counted in suitable plate under good illumination and manual lens for magnification. Statistical analysis was performed by using Kruskal-Wallis one-way Analysis and Student-Newman-Keuls Method. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used. The p-values more than 0.05 were considered as statistically non significant. Results: Green Tea, among the herbal experimental groups, had the most effective antibacterial effect against E.faecalis. No significant statistical difference was detected between green tea (p=0.272) and NaOCl; however, there was significant difference between miswak, chamomile and NaOCl as well as between the rest herbal experimental groups and normal saline. Conclusion: NaOCl remains the gold standard as irrigant in primary teeth. Green tea extract may help in reducing E.faecalis inside the canals of primary teeth. Good efficacy against E.faecalis was also shown by Miswak and chamomile however the results obtained were not significant when compared with NaOCl.

Phase transformation behaviors and mechanical properties of NiTi endodontic files after gold heat treatment and blue heat treatment.

WaveOne Gold, ProTaper Gold, Reciproc Blue, ProTaper Next, WaveOne and ProTaper files were selected to compare the phase transformation behaviors and mechanical properties of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files after gold heat and blue heat treatments. The reverse transformation finishing point temperatures of WaveOne Gold, ProTaper Gold, ProTaper Next and WaveOne were higher than those of the other two instruments investigated. At a deflection of 0.5 mm, the loads were significantly varied except for ProTaper Next and ProTaper Gold. At a deflection of 3.0 mm, the loads of Reciproc Blue and WaveOne Gold were significantly varied compared to WaveOne and ProTaper. Cycles to failure were reduced in the order of WaveOne Gold, Reciproc Blue, ProTaper Gold, ProTaper Next, WaveOne and ProTaper. NiTi instruments after gold heat and blue heat treatments exhibited significantly higher bending properties and cyclic fatigue resistances, representing an improved performance over traditional and M-wire instruments.

Analysis of the ability of XP Clean and easy clean files to remove Calcium Hydroxide paste from simulated internal tooth resorptions

Aim: This study compared the ability of instruments XP Clean and Easy Clean to remove the calcium hydroxide paste from simulated internal root resorptions. Methodology: Thirty freshly extracted human lower incisors were sectioned through the long axis after biomechanical preparation with ProTaper files. On each half, a defect simulating an internal resorption was fabricated on the middle root canal third using a round bur. One week after insertion of calcium hydroxide paste, the teeth were divided into three groups according to the technique employed: G1-Conventional irrigation; G2-XP Clean and G3-Easy Clean. Each instrument was used in three cycles of 20 seconds, followed by renewal with 2 ml of irrigant. Thereafter, the specimens were analyzed on a stereoscopic magnifying glass to analyze the removal of dressing material. Results: Similar performance was observed for both methods employed, even though the rates of absence of removal were higher for the group Easy Clean compared to the group XP Clean. Conclusions: The XP Clean presented better results in removing the calcium hydroxide paste compared to Easy Clean, with statistically significant difference.

Comparison of cleaning effectiveness of single rotary file OneShape and reciprocating F2 Protaper with Protaper Universal sequence: A SEM analysis

AimThis in vitro study intend to compare the cleaning effectiveness of Protaper universal sequence with reciprocating F2 Protaper and single rotary file One shape. Materials and method30 extracted human 1st mandibular molars were chosen for the analysis. Three NiTi file systems were used for mechanical preparation, ProTaper full sequence in rotary motion, single F2 Protaper file used in reciprocating motion, and One shape single file used in a circular motion. Irrigation was carried out after each instrument use using 5 ml of 5% NaOCl followed by normal saline. The root canal surface was evaluated at three different areas (coronal, middle and apical thirds) using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Debris and the Smear layer were evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically using the Friedman test and Kruskal–Wallis test (p ≤ 0.05). ResultsA statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in the debris score of the Protaper universal group when the 3 thirds of the root were compared. Intergroup comparisons confirmed a statistically significant difference at the coronal and apical third of the roots when debris scores were evaluated. Intragroup comparison for the smear layer demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) at all the 3 levels of the radicular canal for the 3 groups studied. Intergroup comparisons revealed a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the middle and apical 1/3rd when the smear layer was evaluated. ConclusionThe Protaper full sequence group provided better results than Single F2 ProTaper and One shape groups when debris and smear layer removal was investigated.

Comparative Evaluation of Apical Sealing Ability of Different Obturation Techniques by Confocal Microscopy: An In Vitro Study

Abstract Introduction The aim of obturation in the root canal is to completely seal the canal space to eliminate all the portals of entry and exit between root canal and periodontal space. Various techniques have been developed to achieve a hermetic seal. Materials and Methods As many as 150 extracted human maxillary central incisors were taken for the study. Biomechanical preparation was done up to F5 protaper file. According to different obturation techniques, samples were divided into six groups, keeping 30 samples in experimental and 15 samples in control groups. Group I–Lateral Condensation, Group II–Thermafil, Group III–Beefill, Group IV–GuttaFlow, Group V–Positive Control group, Group VI–Negative Control group. After obturation, the samples were immersed in 2% Rhodamine-B dye for 24 hours. Each sample was longitudinally sectioned to examine under confocal laser scanning microscope. Statistical Analysis The results were evaluated with ANOVA and posthoc Tukey honest significant difference (HSD) comparison test. Results The mean values of dye penetration of different groups were Group I (Lateral Condensation) 1.51 ± 0.451, Group II (Thermafil) 0.918 ± 0.399, Group III (Beefill) 1.30 ± 0.559. Group IV (GuttaFlow) 0.655 ± 0.396, Group V (Positive Control group) 1.96 ±0.046, Group VI (Negative Control group) 0 ± 0. The lowest mean value of apical microleakage was found in GuttaFlow amongst all experimental groups. Conclusion It can be concluded that the GuttaFlow obturating material exhibited better apical sealing ability with canal walls.