Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Science in Dentistry

Department

Oral Rehabilitation

College

College of Dental Medicine

First Advisor

Timothy Rohde

Second Advisor

Joseph E. Assad

Third Advisor

Robert P. Bethea

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasonic irrigation is performed to disinfect and debride the canal space, yet little is known about the influence of ultrasonic tip selection and its impact on the surrounding structural components. The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the amount of dentin removed following ultrasonic irrigation using the EndoUltra™ ultrasonic device. We compared this to a Satelec® Aceton® P5 Newtron® XS LED ultrasonic unit, commonly used in our postgraduate clinic at the Medical University of South Carolina. Methods: Thirty mandibular premolars were standardized in length and instrumented to a size 35/04 taper. The teeth were then randomly divided into two groups (n = 15). Group A: 20/02 NSK Varios SS U files; Group B: 15/02 EndoUltra™ NiTi tips. Teeth were scanned following instrumentation using a micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) device at an isotropic resolution of 16 μm. Ultrasonic irrigation was completed for both Groups using 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 17% EDTA and 2% CHX, with 0.9% saline rinse following each irrigating solution. After final irrigation, the teeth were scanned a second time. Three-dimensional models were created to determine volumetric changes in dentin from pre- and post-irrigation scan comparisons. Statistical analysis of data was performed with a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with significance set at P <.05. Results: Removal of dentin was observed within both Groups. A statistically significant difference (P <.01) in the amount of dentin removed between Group A (Satelec® using a 20/02 SS U file) and Group B (EndoUltra™ 15/02 NiTi tip) following ultrasonic irrigation was observed. Conclusions: Both groups exhibited dentin removal following ultrasonic activation. The EndoUltra™ manufacturer’s claim that their activator tips do not engage or remove tooth structure was disproved.

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