Evaluation of root canal preparation with different taper and apical diameters and the efficacy of new irrigation protocols: a microtomographic study with prototyped teeth in-house

• Grant number: 25/06652-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Endodontics
• Principal Investigator: Laila Gonzales Freire
• Grantee: Samara Daher Teixeira Castro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/21432-0 - Evaluation of root canal preparation with different tapers and apical diameters, the efficacy of new irrigation protocols, and the filling capacity of endodontic sealers: a micro-CT study with in-house prototyped teeth., AP.R

Abstract

The integration of advanced technologies such as micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and 3D printing offers a promising combination for endodontic research. This project aims to investigate, using micro-CT and 3D rapid prototyping: (i) the preparation of mesial canals of prototyped mandibular molars, with different apical diameters and apical diameters and conicities and (ii) the removal of debris accumulated during preparation, after different final irrigation protocols. Three-dimensional models of mandibular molars obtained from microtomographic images will be produced and printed in the Inovalab, at the Interdisciplinary Center for Interactive Technologies at the University of São Paulo (CITI-USP). In the first experiment, mesial canals will be prepared using the VDW.Rotate system (VDW, Munich, Germany) #15.04 and #20.05. Then the rootsdivided into two groups according to the final taper of the preparation (n=30): Group 0.4 (#25.04, #30.04 and #35.04) and Group 0.6 (#25.06, #30.06 and #35.06). After canal preparation, the specimens will be divided into three experimental groups (n=10) according to the technique used during final irrigation: Group IC - Conventional irrigation without activation with the Irriflex® needle; Group IU - Ultrasonic irrigation with the NiTiSonic® insert andGroup iVac - Irrigation with the iVac® system. Quantitative analysis and reconstruction of 3D models of dentin, root canal, and debris will be carried out using the CTAn and CTvol programs. The results will be subjected to statistical tests with a significance level of 5%. (AU)