Effects of Four Instruments on Coronal Pre-enlargement by Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
published online 08 March 2010.
Abstract
Introduction
This ex vivo study used cone beam computed tomography to evaluate the amount of dentin removal from the distal wall of the mesial canal of human mandibular first molars caused by 4 instruments used to flare the cervical third.
Methods
Thirty-two mesial roots were divided into 4 groups prepared by using ProTaper, K3, Gates-Glidden, or LA Axxess. The dentin thickness of the distal cervical wall of mesial canals was measured before and after the preparation by using computed tomography and Adobe Photoshop software.
Results
There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups (P > 05).
Conclusions
All the instruments used for cervical preparation seemed to be safe and did not damage the dentin structure of the distal wall of mesial root canals of mandibular molars.
ABSTRACT