Comparative analysis of novel heat-treated retreatment file system on the removal of obturating material using nano-computed tomography

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of nonsurgical retreatment is to remove the previous filling material followed by chemo-mechanical preparation of the canal to achieve proper disinfection of the root canal system. This is then followed by re-obturation. This study evaluates the time taken to retrieve the gutta-percha and the quantity of remaining filling material after retreatment with two different file systems. The quantity of remaining filling material was assessed using nano-computed tomography (CT) due to its increased accuracy. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted single-rooted teeth were split into two groups at random and decoronated and obturated at a standard root length of 16 mm. Solite RS3 (SRS-3) Retreatment and ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTUR) systems were used to retrieve the gutta-percha after a preoperative nano-CT scan. Postoperative nano-CT scan was taken and both the scans were superimposed to quantify the remaining filling material. The time taken to remove gutta-percha was measured using a stopwatch. The statistical analysis comparing the two groups was conducted using the independent t-test. Results: The quantitative analysis of remaining filling material using nano-CT showed no statistical difference between both the file systems used (P > 0.05). However, SRS-3 took significantly less time in the removal of gutta-percha (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Hence, we can conclude that there is no significant difference in the amount of remaining filling material between both the file systems. However, time taken to remove the gutta-percha was lesser in SRS-3 compared to PTUR file system.

Comparative Evaluation of Solite RS3 and HyFlex Remover Retreatment Files in Conserving Remaining Dentin Thickness During Endodontic Retreatment Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: An In Vitro Analysis

“…The efficacy of endodontic therapy hinges on three pivotal factors: meticulous irrigation, efficient disinfection, and comprehensive closure of the root canals [16]. Out of these procedures, cleaning and shaping are regarded as the most crucial in root canal operations since they directly influence the thickness of the dentin [17]. It is essential to adequately prepare the canal to facilitate the flow of irrigants and ensure proper obstruction of the root canal [18].…”

“…On the other hand, the HyFlex Remover retreatment files, which also have alternate cutting edges and lack radial lands, are effective in retrieving obturating material. However, due to their 7% taper, they can inadvertently affect the root dentin during the procedure [17].…”