• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.267-272
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• 2004

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of surface defects and cross-sectional configuration of NiTi rotary files on the fatigue life under cyclic loading. Three NiTi rotary files ($K3^{TM},{\;}ProFile^{\circledR},{\;}and{\;}HERO{\;}642^{\circledR}$) with ＃30/.04 taper were evaluated. Each rotary file was divided into 2 subgroups : control (no surface defects) and experimental group (artificial surface defects), A total of six groups of each 10 were tested. The NiTi rotary files were rotated at 300rpm using the apparatus which simulated curved canal (40 degree of curvature) until they fracture. The number of cycles to fracture was calculated and the fractured surfaces were observed with a scanning electron microscope. The data were analyzed statistically. The results showed that experimental groups with surface defects had lower number of cycles to fracture than control group but there was only a statistical significance between control and experimental group in the $K3^{TM}$ (p<0.05), There was no strong correlation between the cross-sectional configuration area and fracture resistance under experimental conditions. Several of fractured files demonstrated characteristic patterns of brittle fracture consistent with the propagation of pre-existing cracks. This data indicate that surface defects of NiTi rotary files may significantly decrease fatigue life and it may be one possible factor for early fracture of NiTi rotary files in clinical practice.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.125-132
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• 2006

This study was conducted to evaluate the insertion depth of Buchanan plugger after shaping by various Ni-Ti rotary files. It was conducted to determine which size of plugger are appropriate, when root canals are shaped with Ni-Ti rotary files and obturated by Continuous wave of condensation technique. Two type of eighty simulated resin blocks were used : J-shaped and straight shaped canal. The simulated canals were instrumented by ProTaper and ProFile. Buchanan pluggers were inserted into the canal, and then the image was recorded to scanner. The distance from the apex of the canal to the plugger tip was measured by image analysis program. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Scheffe's test. The results were as follows 1. In straight canal finished up to ProTaper F2 and F3 file, F and FM pluggers were inserted more than 5 mm short of working length. 2. In J-shaped canal finished up to ProTaper F2 file, F pluggers were inserted more than 5 mm short of working length. Finished up to ProTaper F3 file. F and FM pluggers were inserted more than 5 mm short of working length. 3. In straight and J-shaped canal finished up to ProFile .06/#20 and .06/#25, any of Buchanan plugger could not be inserted more than 5 mm short of working length. These results suggest that canals shaped by ProTaper could be obturated by Continuous wave of condensation technique with F and FM size Buchanan plugger.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.424-429
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• 2009

This study aimed to assess the influence of different cross-sectional area on the cyclic fatigue fracture of Ni-Ti rotary files using a fatigue tester incorporating cyclical axial movement. Six brands of Ni-Ti rotary files (ISO 30 size with. 04 taper) of 10 each were tested: Alpha system (KOMET), HeroShaper (MicroMega), K3 (SybronEndo), Mtwo (VDW), NRT (Mani), and ProFile (Dentsply). A fatigue-tester (Denbotix) was designed to allow cyclic tension and compressive stress on the tip of the instrument. Each file was mounted on a torque controlled motor (Aseptico) using a 1:20 reduction contra-angle and was rotated at 300 rpm with a continuous, 6 mm axial oscillating motion inside an artificial steel canal. The canal had a $60^{\circ}$ angle and a 5 mm radius of curvature. Instrument fracture was visually detected and the time until fracture was recorded by a digital stop watch. The data were analyzed statistically. Fractographic analysis of all fractured surfaces was performed to determine the fracture modes using a scanning electron microscope. Cross-sectional area at 3 mm from the tip of 3 unused Ni-Ti instruments for each group was calculated using Image-Pro Plus (Imagej 1.34n, NIH). Results showed that NRT and ProFile had significantly longer time to fracture compared to the other groups (p < .05). The cross-sectional area was not significantly associated with fatigue resistance. Fractographycally, all fractured surfaces demonstrated a combination of ductile and brittle fracture. In conclusion, there was no significant relationship between fatigue resistance and the cross-sectional area of Ni-Ti instruments under experimental conditions.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to compare the stress distributions of NiTi rotary instruments based on their cross-sectional geometries of triangular shape-based cross-sectional design, S-shaped cross-sectional design and modified rectangular shape-based one using 3D FE models. NiTi rotary files of S-shaped and modified rectangular design of cross-section such as Mtwo or NRT showed larger stress change while file rotation during simulated shaping. The stress of files with rectangular cross-section design such as Mtwo, NRT was distributed as an intermittent pattern along the long axis of file. On the other hand, the stress of files with triangular cross-section design was distributed continuously. When the residual stresses which could increase the risk of file fatigue fracture were analyzed after their withdrawal. the NRT and Mtwo model also presented higher residual stresses. From this result, it can be inferred that S-shaped and modified rectangular shape-based files were more susceptible to file fracture than the files having triangular shape-based one.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.577-586
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• 2002

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effects of root canal cleanness following two Ni-Ti rotary instruments with different rake angle. Thirty-six sound, extracted human premolars with single root were randomly divided into three groups. The used rotary instruments were HEROShaper (Group 1, Micro-Mega, Besancon, France, n=12) and ProFile (Group 2, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland, n=12). Control group (n=12) was only extirpated with barbed broach (Mani, Matsutani Seisakusho Co., Japan) Group 1 & 2 teeth were prepared to a #40/.04 taper at the apex followed by 1 mm using crown-down technique. After canal preparation and frequent irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, the roots split longitudinally into a bucco-lingual direction. Root halves were cross-sectioned in apical third portion again. All root specimens were processed for SEM investigation and photographed. Separate evaluations by one endodontist were undertaken for smear layer on prepared walls with a five score-index for each using reference photograph in root halves. The penetration depth of smear layer into dentinal tubules was also estimated in the other halves. Following results were obtained: 1. Smear layer was observed on all the prepared walls with two experimental groups except control group. 2. Smear layer characteristics in two experimental groups; 1) HEROShaper group showed snowy, dusty appearance and were shown open dentinal tubuli on the prepared walls of almost specimens, and the thickness of smear layer covering onto dentinal surfaces was within 1-2 ${\mu}m$ in a few specimens. 2) ProFile group showed shiny, burnished appearance and complete root canal wall covered by a homogenous smear layer with no open dentinal tubuli in all specimens. The penetration of smear layer into dentinal tubules was found in all specimens and the thickness was at 2-4 ${\mu}m$ in all specimens. These results demonstrated that a completely clean root canal could not be achieved regardless of positive or negative rake angle, which is in accordance with the majority of previous studies on root canal cleanliness In conclusion, through irrigation with antibacterial solutions or chelating agents is recommended to remove the smear layer on prepared canal wall in spite of Ni-Ti instrumentation.

• 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.30 no.1
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• pp.38-48
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the shaping ability of the three different Ni-Ti file systems used by undergraduate students. Fifty undergraduate students prepared 150 simulated curved root canals in resin blocks with three Ni-Ti file systems - $ProFile^{(R)}$ (PF), Manual $ProTaper^{(R)}$ (MPT), Rotary $ProTaper^{(R)}$ (RPT). Every student prepared 3 simulated root canals with each system respectively. After root canal preparation, the Ni-Ti files were evaluated for distortion or breakage Assessments were made according to the presence of various types of canal aberrations. The pre- and post-instrumented canal images were attained and superimposed. The instrumented root canal width were measured and calculated for the net transportation (deviation) and the centering ratio. Under the condition of this study, both $ProTaper^{(R)}$ systems allowed significantly more removal of root canal wall than the $ProFile^{(R)}$ system. In the important other aspects such as the centering ratio, there was no significant differences between the systems. Novice dental students were able to prepare curved root canals with any kinds of Ni-Ti file systems with little aberration and great conservation of tooth structure. Students want to learn effective methods and at the same time simple rotary procedures. The rotary $ProTaper^{(R)}$ systems were one of the most compatible to these students from the point of view of cutting ability The $ProFile^{(R)}$ system was also compatible in safe and gentle shaping.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.54 no.8
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• pp.640-650
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• 2016

Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments have brought a big step toward "efficient" practice of endodontic procedure. The rotary files help clinicians to reduce their working time and also increase the clinical success rate with minimal procedural errors. However, NiTi instruments still have a few drawbacks including unpredictable fatigue fracture. Clinicians may reduce the potential risk of instruments fracture by following some clinical guidelines for rotary instruments. In some clinical cases of instruments fracture, we may try to remove the instruments' fragments or bypass the fragment to reach the apical canal. In some limited cases, the fractured instruments' fragments would not jeopardize the clinical prognosis of root canal treatment. Nevertheless, it is impossible to be overemphasized that the prevention of file fracture is much easier than the removal of fracture fragment. Clinicians need to understand the fracture mechanisms and, in clinic, need to discard the used instruments timely.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.60-68
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• 2014

Nickel-Titanium(NiTi) rotary instruments have brought a big step toward "efficient" practice of endodontic procedure. The rotary files help clinicians to reduce their working time and also increase the clinical success rate with minimal procedural errors by stainless steel instruments. In spite of these advantages, NiTi instruments still have a few drawbacks including unpredictable fatigue fracture. Clinicians may reduce the potential risk of instruments fracture by following some clinical guidelines for rotary instruments. In some clinical cases of instruments fracture, we may try to remove the instruments' fragments or bypass the fragment to reach the apical canal. In some limited cases, the fractured instruments' fragments would not jeopardize the clinical prognosis of root canal treatment. However, it is impossible to be overemphasized that the fragment removal is more difficult than the prevention of fracture. Clinicians need to understand the fracture mechanisms and, in clinic, need to discard the used instruments timely.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.477-484
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• 2006

The purposes of this study were to compare the apical terminus width of simulated curved root canal prepared with three NiTi file systems used by undergraduates for evaluation the effects of flute angle and pitch or radial land on reducing screw-in effect and to determine more safe NiTi file system for inexperienced operators. Fifty inexperienced undergraduate students prepared 150 simulated curved root canals in resin blocks with three NiTi file systems ; ProFile$^{(R)}$, Hero Shaper$^{(R)}$, K3$^{TM}$. The electric motor set at a speed of 300 rpm and torque of 30 in a 16 : 1 reduction handpiece was used. The simulated root canal was prepared to ISO #25 sizes with each file system. The scanned images of pre- and post-instrumented canal of resin block were superimposed. To evaluate the screw-in effect of three NiTi file systems, apical terminus width of root canal was measured from superimposed images and statistical analysis was performed. There were significant differences in three NiTi flle systems. ProFile$^{(R)}$ had significantly smaller width than Hero Shaper$^{(R)}$ and K3$^{TM}$"" (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between K3$^{TM}$ and Hero Shaper$^{(R)}$. Under the condition of this study, active file system (Hero SHaper$^{(R)}$, K3$^{TM}$) with variable pitch and helical angle had more screw-in effect than passive file system (ProFile$^{(R)}$) with constant pitch and helical angle. It seems that the radial lands play more important role in reducing screw-in effect.