West China Journal of Stomatology

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Comparison of Penetration and Obturation Density Using Nickel-titanium and Stainless-steel Spreader in Curved Canals

XIA Zhi-min1, PENG Bin2, BIAN Zhuan2, FAN  Ming-wen2
  

  1. 1. Dept. of Stomatology, Vocational School, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; 2. Dept. of Endodontics, College of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
  • Received:2006-10-25 Revised:2006-10-25 Online:2006-10-20 Published:2006-10-20

Abstract:

Objective  To compare the initial penetration depth of nickel-titanium(NiTi) and stainless-steel(SS)spreader during lateral compaction and the quality of the seal in curved canals. Methods  Forty extracted mandibular premolars with a single curved canal were divided into two groups: no more than 20° and more than 20° based on degree of curvature. All canals were instrumented using a rotary instrumentation technique. NiTi and SS spreaders were used to obturate the canals containing a master cone while the penetration depths were measured. Horizontal sections were cut in 2 and 4 mm from the apex and photographed under stereomicroscope. The percentage of gutta-percha-filled are(PGP) of cross-sections was measured using an image analysis program. Results  In canals of more than 20°, the penetration depths and PGP of 2 mm from the apex of NiTi spreaders were higher than SS spreader. In canals of no more than 20°, there were no significant difference between them(P>0.05). At 4 mm from the apex, there was no significant difference between two groups. Conclusion  NiTi spreaders has a higher penetrated depth and obturation density than SS spreaders in severed curved canals.

Key words: spreader, curved canal, canal filling