Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of curved root canals after mechanical preparation with three nickel-titanium rotary instruments

Cone beam computed tomography is a 3-dimensional high resolution imaging method. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 3 different NiTi rotary instruments used to prepare curved root canals on the final shape of the curved canals and total amount of root canal transportation by using cone-beam computed tomography. A total of 81 mesial root canals from 42 extracted human mandibular molars, with a curvature ranging from 15 to 45 degrees, were selected. Canals were randomly divided into 3 groups of 27 each. After preparation with Protaper, Revo-S and Hero Shaper, the amount of transportation and centering ability that occurred were assessed by using cone beam computed tomography. Utilizing preand post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. Canals were metrically assessed for changes （surface area, changes in curvature and transportation） during canal preparation by using software SimPlant; instrument failures were also recorded. Mean total widths and outer and inner width measurements were determined on each central canal path and differences were statistically analyzed. The results showed that all instruments maintained the original canal curvature well with no significant differences between the different files （P=0.226）. During preparation there was failure of only one file （the protaper group）. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, all instruments maintained the original canal curvature well and were safe to use. Areas of uninstrumented root canal wall were left in all regions using the various systems.

Maxillary denture flange and occlusal discrepancies of Vertex ThermoSens in comparison with conventional heat-cured denture base materials

This study was conducted to investigate the maxillary denture bases and occlusal discrepancies using the Vertex Thermosens in comparison with the conventional polymethyl-methacrylate materials. Twenty maxillary denture bases were prepared from the Vertex ThermoSens and a conventional heat-cured denture base materials. Acrylic maxillary second molars were arranged in their respective positions on the ridge. After curing of both types of denture bases, they were deflasked with their respective master casts. Reference points were prepared for measurements of the antero-posterior and cross-arch dimensions at the denture borders using caliper device. Furthermore, the teeth discrepancies were measured between reference points in the ligual aspect of the second maxillary molars. The recorded data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 20. The results showed initial shrinkage of both denture bases in the antero-posterior and cross-arch dimensions immediately after decasting. This contraction was compensated gradually during storage in water up to 2 weeks. Regarding the variable time, there was a significant difference between the tested materials. Moreover, the results revealed occlusal discrepancies and shifting of teeth inward immediately after decasting, followed by outward movement after storage in water for 2 weeks. Regarding the variables time and materials, there were significant differences. Both materials exhibited inward shrinkage in the antero-posterior and cross-arch dimensions immediately after decasting. Both denture bases showed inward shifting of teeth immediately after decasting, followed by outward movement after storage in water up to 2 weeks.