Chan WS, Gulati K, Peters OA. Advancing Nitinol: From heat treatment to surface functionalization for nickel–titanium (NiTi) instruments in endodontics.
Bioact Mater 2023;
22:91-111. [PMID:
36203965 PMCID:
PMC9520078 DOI:
10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.09.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy has been extensively researched in endodontics, particularly in cleaning and shaping the root canal system. Research advances have primarily focused on the design, shape, and geometry of the NiTi files as well as metallurgy and mechanical properties. So far, extensive investigations have been made surrounding surface and thermomechanical treatments, however, limited work has been done in the realm of surface functionalization to augment its performance in endodontics. This review summarizes the unique characteristics, current use, and latest developments in thermomechanically treated NiTi endodontic files. It discusses recent improvements in nano-engineering and the possibility of customizing the NiTi file surface for added functionalization. Whilst clinical translation of this technology has yet to be fully realized, future research direction will lie in the use of nanotechnology.
Nitinol (Nickel Titanium alloy) is widely used to clean/shape root canal system in endodontics.
To enhance its performance, various thermo-mechanical and nano-engineering modifications have been performed.
This comprehensive review summarizes the latest advances and future trends relating to functionalized NiTi endodontic files.
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