Schimdt TF, da Fonseca Roberti Garcia L, da Silveira Teixeira C, Alcalde MP, Hungaro Duarte MA, Bortoluzzi EA. How Does Intentional Apical Foraminal Enlargement Affect the Foramen and Root Canal Morphology?
J Endod 2024;
50:651-658. [PMID:
38387796 DOI:
10.1016/j.joen.2024.02.013]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
This study assessed the effect of intentional foraminal enlargement on the foramen and the apical root canal morphology.
METHOD
Sixty mesial roots of mandibular molars were scanned by micro-computed tomography. Their apical foramina were photographed with a stereomicroscope before and after preparation. Three groups were formed (n = 20) according to the working length (WL). G-1: foramen - 1 mm; G0: foramen; and G+1: foramen + 1 mm. Each group originated 2 subgroups (n = 10): G-1: Buchanan's patency (size 10 K-type file) and foraminal debridement (sizes 20, 25 and 30 K-type files); G0 and G+1: rotary foraminal enlargement (ProDesign S size 25/.08) or reciprocating foraminal enlargement (R25). The area, perimeter, transportation, and noninstrumented walls of the foramen were evaluated. The root canal transportation and the centering index of preparation at 1, 3 and 5 mm from the foramen were also assessed. Data were compared statistically (α = 5%).
RESULTS
The instruments used at the foramen and 1 mm beyond promoted foraminal enlargement and transportation. Regarding NIW, there was no difference between mechanized foraminal enlargements performed at the foramen or 1 mm beyond, similar to the manual foraminal debridement group (P > .05). There was no difference in transportation and centralization at 1-, 3-, and 5-mm apical levels, regardless of the instrumentation systems.
CONCLUSION
Mechanical preparation at the foramen, or 1 mm beyond, resulted in foraminal enlargement, transportation and were not able to touch all root canal walls that delimit the foramen.
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