• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.121-125
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• 1983

Thirty eight mandibular second premolars were injected with china ink, decalcified, cleared and used in an in vitro study to determine the number of root canals, the frequency and location of lateral canals, the location of apical foramens, the frequency of apical deltas, and the curvature of root canals. The results were as follows: 1. Most of the teeth demonstrated single canal, but 5.3% of the teeth were found to have bifurcated or trifurcated canals. 2. Of the 40 canals studied, 52.5% of the canals were found to have lateral canals and these ramifications were usually located in the apical third of the root. 3. 7 apical foramens were located directly on the root apex and 31 foramens laterally. 4. 4 canals showed mesial curvature, 20 canals distal curvature, 11 canals buccal curvature, and 8 canals lingual curvature.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 1976

Eighty mandibular first premolars were injected with china ink, decalcified, cleared and used in an in vitro study to determine the number of root canals, the frequency and location of lateral canals, the location of apical foramens, the frequency of apical deltas, and the curvature of root canals. The results were as follows: 1. Most of the teeth demonstrated single canal, but 22.5% of the teeth were found to have bifurcated or trifurcated canals. 2. Of the 99 canals studied, 37.3% of the canals were found to have lateral canals and these ramifications were usually located in the apical third of the root. 3. 27 apical foramens were located directly on the root apex and 66 foramens laterally. 4. 6 canals showed mesial curvature, 49 canals distal curvature, 11 canals buccal curvature, and 25 canals lingual curvature.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.183-186
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• 1984

Thirty maxillary lateral incisors were injected with china ink, decalcified, cleared and used in an in vitro study to determine the number of root canals, the frequency and location of lateral canals, the location of apical foramens, the frequency of apical deltas, and the curvature of root canals. The results were as follows: 1. Most of the teeth demonstrated single canal, but 6.7% of the teeth were found to have bifurcated canals. 2. Of the 32 canals studied, 37.5% of the canals were found to have lateral canals and these ramifications were usually located in the and apical third of the root. 3. 9 apical foramens were located directly on the root apex and 21 foramens laterally. 4. 3 canals showed mesial curvature, 20 canals distal curvature, 4 canals labial curvature, and 3 canals palatal curvature.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.432-440
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• 2002

The purpose of this study is to identificate root canal system including ideal access placement, root curvature, canal configuration, incidence of isthmus in mandibular incisors for success of endodontic treatment. 200 mandibular incisors were selected. The ideal access placement was determimed as follows. The teeth there radiographed from mesiodistal and buccolingual views using intraoral dental film. The image was divided into coronal, middle and apical third using the proximal film. Straight line access was determined by measuring the faciolingual canal width and placing points at midway point between the buccal and lingual wall at the junction of the middle and apical third and at the juntion of coronal and middle third of the root canal. A line was drawn connecting these two points extending through the crown of the tooth. The point at which the line crossed the external crown surface was recorded as facial, incisal, lingual. Degree of root curvature was determined by Schneider Protractor Method. Both section method and clearing method were used in this study. By section method, 100 mandibular incisors were embedded in clear resin and transeverse serial sectioned at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0mm level from root apex. The resected surfaces were stained by methylene blue and examined under $\times$40 magnification with a stereomicroscope. By clearing method, 100 mandibular incisors were cleared in methysalicylate after decalcification with 10% nitric acid and evaluated under $\times$18 magnification with a stereomicroscope. The results were as follows ; 1. 29% had the center of the plotted straight-line access facial to incisal edge, whereas 71% had straight-line access at the incisal edge. When incisal wear classified as extensive, the straight-line access was plotted on the incisal edge 95.5%. When incisal wear classified as slight/none, the straight-line access was plotted on the facial 65.9%. 2. Degree of curvature of main canal was straight or almost straight, and only 10% in buccolingual direction had a degree of curvature greater than 20 degrees and 5.5% in mesiodistal direction had. 3. In section method, canal configuration analysis showed that 51% of the specimen classified as type I, 27% as type II, 12% as type III, 10% as type IV. For theses setions with two canals, the incidence of an isthmus was 36.7%, 64.3%, 79.2%, 96.3%, 97.4%, 97.6% at each level and highest in 3~5mm sections. 4. In clearing method, canal configuration analysis showed that 74% of the specimen classified as type I, 11% as type II, 6% as type III, 9% as type IV. These results suggested that traditional access from lingual should be moved as far toward the incisal as possible to locate and debride the lingual canal and root canal system should be cleaned, shaped completely and obturated three dimensionally for successful endodontic treatment.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.91-101
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• 1988

The purpose of this study was to evaluate Ultrasonic devices in root canal enlargement, about the effects on the canal shape and on the cutting ability beyond the curvature in curved canals. 180 resin blocks with $40^{\circ}$ curvature in apical third and 16mm long canal were made of epoxy resin and smooth broaches. These blocks were devided into six groups. According to the devices (ENAC$^{(R)}$, HARMOSONIC$^{(R)}$, Sonic Air MM 3000$^{(R)}$) and files (Zipperer file, H-file, Flexofile, K-file, Sharper file), five groups were instrumented one minute with # 15 files, then the enlarged size was measured. And # 20 files were used again in the same groups, then the enlarged size was measured. In control group, the time which was taken to enlarge the canal from # 15 to # 20 by hand technique was measured. The data was analyzed statistically. Then the enlarged shapes were evaluated in six groups with the stereomicroscope and recorded in ideal and non-ideal canal shape to compare the effects of ultrasonic devices on the canal shape. Only the ideal shaped canals were used in the study whether the cutting ability beyond the curvature in curved canals was, or not. The files with whole flutes, no flutes, and flutes in apical 5mm only were used. The weight differences of pre-and post-instrumentation by Sonic Air MM 3000$^{(R)}$ for two minutes were compared. The results were as follow: 1. Intracanal instrumentation for 1 minute with ultrasonic devices using # 15 and # 20 file in curved root canal of the epoxy resin block can not reach to the next file size. 2. Sonic Air MM 3000$^{(R)}$ shows higher cutting ability than the other two devices (p=0.001), however the percentage of non-ideal canal shape was the highest. 3. Two ultrasonic devices except Sonic Air MM 3000 considered normal in ideal canal shaping ability. 4. little cutting ability was shown beyond the curvature of curved canals.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.220-227
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• 2012

Objectives: The study was to compare the shaping ability of Reciproc (VDW) and WaveOne (Dentsply Maillefer) instruments compared with ProTaper, Profile and hand instrument during the preparation of simulated root canals. Materials and Methods: Five groups (n = 5) were established. Reciproc, WaveOne, ProTaper, Profile and K file (K-flexo file) were used to prepare the resin simulated canals. A series of preoperative and postoperative images were taken by a microscope and superimposed in 2 different layers. The amount of resin removed from both the inner and the outer sides of the canal was measured to the level of 10 mm from the apical tip, with a 1 mm increment. Results: The mean of resin removal from the inner canal wall was not different from the outer canal wall for Reciproc and WaveOne groups at apical third (1 - 3 mm level). There was no difference in the change of working length and maintenance of canal curvature. NiTi instruments are superior to stainless-steel K file in their shaping ability. Conclusions: Within the limitation of this present study, Reciproc and WaveOne instruments maintained the original canal curvature in curved canals better than ProTaper and Profile, which tend to transport towards the outer canal wall of the curve in the apical part of the canal.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.47 no.7
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• pp.444-454
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to compare the shaping abilities of LightSpeed, ProTaper-Universal, and hybrid technique using S-series of ProTaper-Universal and LigthSpeed. The 72 simulated root canals of J-shape were used and classified as flowing 3 groups according to the instrumentation methods; Group P of 24 canal blocks were prepared with ProTaper-Universal, Group L was prepared with LightSpeed, and Group H was prepared with hybrid technique (initial shaping with ProTaper-Universal SI and S2 and apical shaping with LightSpeed from #25 to #50). A second-year resident of Endodontic department prepared the resin block canals to apical size #50 (F5 in Group P). The time lapses for instrumentation and the reduction of root canal curvature after shaping were measured. The pre- and post-instrumented root canals were scanned and superimposed to evaluate and calculate the increased canal width and apical centering ratio. The results were as followings: Group Land H showed significant less instrumentation time than Group P (p < 0.05). The ProTaper system showed greater reduction of root canal curvature and working length diminishment than other methods (p < 0.05). LightSpeed system showed best canal curvature preserving characteristics. The Group P had greater instrumented widths at all levels examined (p < 0.05). Group L and Group H showed lower centering ratio (ability to preserve the canal center; the lower ratio means the better canal center preservation) than Group P (p < 0.05). Group H had the lowest centering ratio at the 1 mm level.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.303-311
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to evaluate which type of Ni-Ti files are able to maintain canal configuration better in the simulated canal with abrupt curvature near it's apex. Ninety six simulated root canals were made in epoxy resin and $\sharp$15 finger spreader was used as root canal templates. The simulated root canals were made with radius of curvature of 1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 6.0mm respectively and the angle of curvature of all simulated canals were adjusted to 90 degree. The simulated canals were instrumented by ProFile, ProTaper, Hero 642, and $K^3$ at a 300 rpm using crown-down pressureless technique. Pre-instrumented and post-instrumented images were taken by digital camera and were superimposed with Adobe Photos hop 6.0 program. Images were compared by image analysis program. The changes of canal width at the inner and outer side of the canal curvature. canal transportation were measured at 9 measuring point with 1 mm interval. Statistical analysis among the types of Ni-Ti files was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test. The result was that ProFile maintain original canal configuration better than other engine driven Ni-Ti files in the canals above 3.0mm radius of curvature, and in the 1.5mm radius of curvature, most of Ni-Ti flies were deformed or separated during instrumentation.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.257-268
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• 1998

During cleaning and shaping of narrow and curved canals, it is very difficult or nearly impossible to maintain the original canal shape. Procedural accidents such as, ledge, zipping, perforation, and instrument breakage are frequently occurred and even may lead to failure of endodontic therapy. To prevent these kinds of accidents, various instrumentation techniques and materials have been introduced. Recently some nickel titanium (NiTi) files are introduced and it is reported that These NiTi files created rounder preparations with less transportation than conventional instruments in curved canals. This study compared the change of the canal curvature and procedural accidents after instrumentation produced by stainless steel K-flexo file, and NiTi rotary files (Profile 29 and Quantec 2000). Thirty narrow and curved canals (25-45 degree) of extracted human molars were randomly divided into three groups. In group 1, canals were instrumented using a step-back and watch-winding/pull motion with K-flexo files. In group 2, canals were prepared with Profile 29. Group 3, canals were prepared with Quantec 2000 files. Before and after preparation of canals, periapical radiographs were taken and scanned. The change of canal curvature were measured using Photoshop 4.0 program and the incidence of procedural accidents were also evaluated. The results were as follows: 1. All group showed some loss of canal curvature after instrumentation. 2. Average loss of canal curvature was $6.70{\pm}5.31$ degree for group 1, $3.80{\pm}2.57$ degree for group 2, and $5.40{\pm}4.83$ degree for group 3. All group There was significant change in curvature between before and after instrumentation (p<0.05). But there was no statistical difference amoung 3 groups. 3. In group I, there were no procedural accidents, such as ledging, perforation, or instrument fracture. In group 2, two cases of ledge and one case of instrument fracture were produced Goup 3, each one case of ledge, perforation and instrument fracture were occurred. Whthin the limits of above results, It seems that NiTi rotary instrumentation is not All Mighty and if we use uncarefully, it is more dangerous to produce some procedural accidents than conventional hand files. But more studies should be taken to evaluate the exact effects of NiTi rotary instrumentations.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.244-253
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• 1997

During preparation of narrow curved canals, procedural accidents such as, ledge, zipping, and transportation are frequently encountered and may lead to failure of endodontic therapy. To reduce these procedural errors and efficiently manage curved canals, various modifications in instrumentation technique and the design and flexibility of instruments have been advocated. This study compared the maintenance of the original canal curvature, cross sectional canal shape, and preparation time during instrumentation with stainless steel hand (K-Flexo) file, and nickel-titanium rotary files (Profile and Lightspeed). Thirty resin blocks with simulated curved canals of 20~25 degrees were used and divided into three groups of 10 each. In group 1, canals were instrumented using a quarter turn/pull technique with K-Flexofiles. Group 2 canals were prepared with rotary NiTi Profiles. Group 3 was prepared with rotary NiTi Lightspeed instrument. Before and after instrumentation, all canals were scanned using stereo microcope, FlexCam camera, and Photoshop 3.0 computer program. The results were as follows : 1. All groups showed some loss of canal curvature after instrumentation. Average loss of canal curvature was 8.6 degrees for K-Flexofile, 7.7 degrees for Profile, and 5.8 degrees for Lightspeed. Lightspeed exhibited significantly less curvature loss than K-Flexofile (p<0.05). 2. At the apical 1-mm level, Profile produced significantly rounder canals than Lightspeed (p<0.05). At the 3-mm level, Profile and Lightspeed exhibited significantly rounder canals than K-Flexofile (p<0.05). 3. Preparation with Lightspeed was significantly faster than Profile and K-Flexofile, and Profile was faster than K-Flexofile (p<0.05). 4. There was no significant difference in incidence of zipping between the hand K-Flexofile and rotary NiTi (Profile and Lightspeed) instruments. Most of apical canals were slightly widened near the apical foramen. As a results of this study, rotary NiTi instruments are superior to the K-Flexofile in regard to the maintenance of original canal curvature, cross-sectional shape and preparation time. But more investigations and studies should be needed to evaluate the ideal canal instrumentation.