Evaluation of remaining pericervical dentin thickness using various orifice shapers under CBCT – an in vitro study

Original Research

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the remaining peri-cervical dentin thickness using various orifice shaper under Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods

Forty-five freshly extracted mandibular first molars with root curvature between 20 ̊ - 35 ̊ were taken and divided into fifteen teeth per group as Group1- Gates-Glidden drills, Group 2- Hyflex CM and Group 3- ProTaper Universal orifice shaper SX. All the teeth were embedded into acrylic resin block. The working length of each specimen was taken with an apex locator and confirmed with a radiograph. Access cavity preparation were made, and the canals were located. The distal roots were cut 1mm below the furcation and initial root canal preparation was done. Pre-operative Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging was done. Then 0.5mm axial cross section were obtained at 1mm distance. The measurements were done by taking the mean from labio-lingual diameter and mesio-distal diameter using image analysis. The orifice was enlarged according to the assigned groups Each orifice shaper was used 5 times and then replaced by a new one before taking post-operative CBCT.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in GROUP 2: Hyflex as compared to GROUP 1: GG drills and GROUP 3:  ProTaper Universal. Although there was no statistical difference between GROUP 1: GG drills and GROUP 3:  ProTaper Universal.

Conclusion

The Hyflex orifice shapers resulted in preservation of more dentin than GG drills and ProTaper orifice shapers.