Mechanical behavior of deep cryogenically treated martensitic shape memory nickel-titanium rotary endodontic instruments

Cryotherapy Treatment Effect on Heat-Treated Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) Rotary Single-File System: An In Vitro Comparative Study by Finite Element Analysis

Background The use of endodontic files multiple times can cause fatigue in them and can lead to their separation in the root canal. The purpose of this study was to achieve a reduction in cyclic fatigue stress in a newly introduced nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary single-file system. The study aimed to determine whether cryotherapy could help reduce cyclic fatigue and stress on rotary files after multiple uses during root canal treatment. By utilizing finite element analysis (FEA), the study provided a comprehensive evaluation of how cryotherapy might enhance the performance and longevity of these instruments, ultimately benefiting patients undergoing root canal therapy. Methodology This in vitro comparative study used scanned plastic teeth with genuine root canal anatomy and FEA to investigate the mechanical response to cyclic fatigue and stress of NiTi rotary file system. The endodontic file (Procodile, Komet) was created through the complex root canal geometries, for which mandibular tooth models were scanned and created by a computer software (IDEAS11 NX; UGSiPlano, TX). The total sample size was 34, divided into two groups, with each group comprising 17 participants (n = 17). The results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Results The results revealed that the p-values were more than 0.525, indicating no significant reduction in cyclic fatigue when the NiTi rotary single-file system (Procodile, Komet) was treated with cryotherapy (eight cycles). However, stress reduction was observed in the NiTi rotary single-file system when it was treated with cryotherapy. Conclusion This in vitro comparative study concluded that cryotherapy helps to reduce the stress of NiTi rotary single-file system. Nonetheless, more research is needed to understand the clinical significance of the findings of the current in vitro study.

Advancing Nitinol: From heat treatment to surface functionalization for nickel–titanium (NiTi) instruments in endodontics

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.

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Nitinol (Nickel Titanium alloy) is widely used to clean/shape root canal system in endodontics.

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To enhance its performance, various thermo-mechanical and nano-engineering modifications have been performed.

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This comprehensive review summarizes the latest advances and future trends relating to functionalized NiTi endodontic files.

Influence of kinematics and incidence angles on the cutting efficiency of two single-file nickel-titanium rotary instruments

To compare the cutting efficiency of F6 Sky Taper (F6ST) and One Curve (OC) with different kinematics and cutting inclinations. Cutting efficiency of 80 new F6ST and OC was tested at 90° and 70° inclination in relation to the sample, in continuous rotation and reciprocation, against standardised gypsum samples for 120 seconds using a customised device. Data expressed as weight loss and length of the sample cut were analysed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey t-test (P<.05). F6ST showed significantly higher cutting efficiency in reciprocation, while OC in continuous rotation. Regardless of inclination, F6ST showed statistically higher values than OC in reciprocation, while OC exhibited higher cutting ability in continuous rotation. The 70° inclination significantly improved the cutting efficiency of both files. Reciprocation improved the cutting efficiency of F6ST while continuous rotation enhanced cutting ability of OC. An inclined insertion improved the cutting ability, independently from the movement.

Cutting efficiency of heat-treated nickel-titanium single-file systems at different incidence angles

Cutting efficiency of Reciproc R25 (REC) and Reciproc blue R25 (REB) at different inclinations was evaluated. Sixty new files were tested at 90°, 70° and 45° of inclination in relation to the sample (n = 10), using a customised machine. All files were activated in reciprocation against standardised gypsum blocks for 120 s. Cutting efficiency was determined by measuring the block weight loss with an analytical balance and measuring the length of the block surface cut using a digital calliper. Data were statistically analysed (two-way ANOVA, Bonferroni t-test) with the significance level set at P < 0.05. There was no difference for REC among the tested angles. REB had no statistical difference between 90° and 70°; however, its cutting efficiency significantly increased at 45°. There was a significant difference between REC and REB at 45° only. Under these conditions, increased file inclination to 45° and blue heat treatment improved cutting efficiency of reciprocating files.

Parametric optimization of deep cryogenic treatment for the wear response of implant material UNS R56700: Taguchi’s approach

Using the Taguchi’s robust design of experiments methodology, this article presents the systematic identification and optimization of most influential parameters of deep cryogenic treatment process to minimize the specific wear rate of UNS R56700 (Ti6Al7Nb). In addition to the different soaking durations (0–96 h) at 77 K and different tempering temperatures (room temperature, 403–523 K), three commonly used variables of pin-on-disk test, namely, sliding speed (1.047–2.723 ms−1), contact pressure (0.641–1.282 MPa), and sliding time (600–2280 s) were chosen to conduct the tests. During dry sliding conditions, pin-on-disk tribo-tests were performed to slide Ti6Al7Nb on the surface of UNS 52986 (En31) material as per standardized ASTM G99 guidelines. Experimentally measured wear rate values were converted to signal–noise ratio to statistically analyze the influence of five control variables using pooled analysis of variance and F-test. Statistically found influential control variables are confirmed experimentally. The results show that sliding speed, contact pressure and soaking duration are the most significant factors influencing the wear rate. In contrast, the parameters, that is, tempering temperature and sliding time, exhibit a lower level of influence. Microstructural characterizations done using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques suggested that deep cryogenic treatment favors the refinement of grain size of present phases with reduction in β-stabilization (β-phase) in Ti6Al7Nb. The possible reasons for the improvement in wear rate of Ti6Al7Nb underlying the morphological alterations have been explained.

Rotary science and its impact on instrument separation: A focused review

Efficient endodontic treatment demands thorough debridement of the root canal system with minimal procedural errors. The inherent weakness of nickel-titanium alloys is their unexpected breakage. Modifications in the design, manufacturing, thermomechanical and surface treatment of alloys and advancements in movement kinetics have shown to improve the fatigue properties of the alloys, reducing the incidence of separation. This review enlightens the impact of these factors on fatigue properties of the alloy.

Effect of Deep Cryogenic Treatment on Cyclic Fatigue of Endodontic Rotary Nickel Titanium Instruments

Introduction:

Cyclic fatigue is the common reason for breakage of rotary instruments. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cryogenic treatment (CT) in improving the resistance to cyclic fatigue of endodontic rotary instruments.

Methods and Materials:

In this in vitro study, 20 RaCe and 20 Mtwo files were randomly divided into two groups of negative control and CT. CT files were stored in liquid nitrogen at -196^°C for 24 h, and then were gradually warmed to the room temperature. All files were used (at torques and speeds recommended by their manufacturers) in a simulated canal with a 45^° curvature until breakage. The time to fail (TF) was recorded and used to calculate the number of cycle to fail (NCF). Groups were compared using independent-samples t-test.

Results:

Mean NCFs were 1248.2±68.1, 1281.6±78.6, 4126.0±179.2, and 4175.4±190.1 cycles, for the Mtwo-control, Mtwo-CT, RaCe-control, and RaCe-CT, respectively. The difference between the controls and their respective CT groups were not significant (P>0.3). The difference between the systems was significant.

Conclusion:

Deep CT did not improve resistance to cyclic fatigue of the evaluated rotary files.