Journal of Endodontics
Volume 33, Issue 11 , Pages 1334-1337, November 2007

Evaluation of the Surface Characteristics of Used and New ProTaper Instruments: An Atomic Force Microscopy Study

  • Ugur Inan, DDS, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun
    • ,
  • Cumhur Aydin, DDS, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Endodontics and Conservative Treatment, Center for Dental Sciences, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress requests for reprints to Dr Cumhur Aydin, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Blossom St, Thier 10, Boston, MA 02114.
    • ,
  • Ozgur Uzun, DDS, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Endodontics and Conservative Treatment, Faculty of Dentistry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
    • ,
  • Ozgur Topuz, DDS, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Endodontics and Conservative Treatment, Faculty of Dentistry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
    • ,
  • Tayfun Alacam, DDS, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Endodontics and Conservative Treatment, Faculty of Dentistry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.

Abstract 

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the topography of new and used ProTaper rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments by using atomic force microscope. Four new and four used size S1, S2, F1, and F2 instruments were selected for this study. New and used instruments were analyzed on 11 points along a 3-mm section at the tip of the instrument. Quantitative measurements according to the topographic deviations (root mean square) were recorded. Data were analyzed by paired samples t test. Mean root mean square values for used ProTaper instruments were higher than the new ones, and the difference between them was statistically significant. The results of this study showed that used ProTaper instruments demonstrated more surface deformation and wear.

Key Words: Atomic force microscopy, clinical use, NiTi rotary instruments

 

PII: S0099-2399(07)00693-0

doi:10.1016/j.joen.2007.07.014

Journal of Endodontics
Volume 33, Issue 11 , Pages 1334-1337, November 2007