• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.267-272
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• 2004

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of surface defects and cross-sectional configuration of NiTi rotary files on the fatigue life under cyclic loading. Three NiTi rotary files ($K3^{TM},{\;}ProFile^{\circledR},{\;}and{\;}HERO{\;}642^{\circledR}$) with ＃30/.04 taper were evaluated. Each rotary file was divided into 2 subgroups : control (no surface defects) and experimental group (artificial surface defects), A total of six groups of each 10 were tested. The NiTi rotary files were rotated at 300rpm using the apparatus which simulated curved canal (40 degree of curvature) until they fracture. The number of cycles to fracture was calculated and the fractured surfaces were observed with a scanning electron microscope. The data were analyzed statistically. The results showed that experimental groups with surface defects had lower number of cycles to fracture than control group but there was only a statistical significance between control and experimental group in the $K3^{TM}$ (p<0.05), There was no strong correlation between the cross-sectional configuration area and fracture resistance under experimental conditions. Several of fractured files demonstrated characteristic patterns of brittle fracture consistent with the propagation of pre-existing cracks. This data indicate that surface defects of NiTi rotary files may significantly decrease fatigue life and it may be one possible factor for early fracture of NiTi rotary files in clinical practice.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2011

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to discuss the mechanical and geometric features of Nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files and its clinical effects. NiTi rotary files have been introduced to the markets with their own geometries and claims that they have better ability for the root canal shaping than their competitors. The contents of this paper include the (possible) interrelationship between the geometries of NiTi file (eg. tip, taper, helical angle, etc) and clinical performance of the files as follows; - Fracture modes of NiTi rotary files - Non-cutting guiding tip and glide path - Taper and clinical effects - Cross-sectional area and clinical effects - Heat treatments and surface characteristics - Screw-in effect and preservation of root dentin integrity - Designs for reducing screw-in effect Conclusions: Based on the reviewed contents, clinicians may have an advice to use various brands of NiTi rotary instruments regarding their advantages which would fit for clinical situation.

• Proceedings of the KACD Conference
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.599-599
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• 2003

Endodontic rotary NiTi(Nickel-Titanium) files have several advantages, but they also have some problems. Fracture of instrument is the one of the problems. Cyclic fatigue fracture may not give a previous sign(ex, bending or distortion of the files) before it happen. It is affected by various factors. This study investigated time which takes for cyclic fatigue fracture to happen and fracture patterns with regard to different NiTi files and pecking motion.(omitted)

• Proceedings of the KACD Conference
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.594-594
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• 2003

I. Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine if propagation of pre-existing manufacturing defects results in brittle fracture of NiTi rotary files by examining the fracture surface of the instrument by SEM, and to compare the fracture time of NiTi rotary files with different flute designs under cyclic loading. II. Materials and Methods This study examined three groups of rotary NiTi instruments (K3, ProFile, Hero). Of each group, 04 taper, size 30 and 06 taper, size 25 were selected.：120 in total. Surface defects were created by simulating the machining process of NiTi rotaries.(omitted)

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.201-206
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• 2012

Objectives: The purpose was to investigate the preference and usage technique of NiTi rotary instruments and to retrieve data on the frequency of re-use and the estimated incidence of file separation in the clinical practice among general dentists. Materials and Methods: A survey was disseminated via e-mail and on-site to 673 general dentists. The correlation between the operator's experience or preferred technique and frequency of re-use or incidence of file fracture was assessed. Results: A total of 348 dentists (51.7%) responded. The most frequently used NiTi instruments was ProFile (39.8%) followed by ProTaper. The most preferred preparation technique was crown-down (44.6%). 54.3% of the respondents re-used NiTi files more than 10 times. There was a significant correlation between experience with NiTi files and the number of re-uses (p = 0.0025). 54.6% of the respondents estimated experiencing file separation less than 5 times per year. The frequency of separation was significantly correlated with the instrumentation technique (p = 0.0003). Conclusions: A large number of general dentists in Korea prefer to re-use NiTi rotary files. As their experience with NiTi files increased, the number of re-uses increased, while the frequency of breakage decreased. Operators who adopt the hybrid technique showed less tendency of separation even with the increased number of re-use.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.184-192
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• 2005

Intracanal separation of the rotary files is a serious concern in modern endodontic practice. The objective of this study was to compare the life span and fracture patterns of three NiTi rotary files in molar teeth Mesiobuccal roots of upper molar (n = 150) and mesial roots of lower molar (n = 150) were divided into three groups and each group was prepared with Profile, ProTaper, and K3 respectively. Every file was used until separation and/or deterioration of the cutting blade was happened, and then the number of canals to separation and/or unwinding were recorded. Radiographs and Scanning electon microscope (SEM) photographs were taken to evaluate the patterns of separation. The results were as follows: 1. There were no significant differences in numbers of canals to separation and/or unwinding among the groups. 2. Comparing between flaring files, K3 showed significant lower numbers of canals to separation and/or unwinding (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between shaping files 3. Separations of instruments were occurred at the midpoint of curvatures within the canals 4. In SEM observations, ductile fractures were seen in most of cases, characterized by shallow dimples. Additional researches is needed to provide a new guideline that informs the appropriate number of times to use NiTi files.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.620-625
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• 2001

The pulpectomy or root canal treatment on primary teeth is to be done when there is evidence of chronic in flammation or necrosis in the radicular pulp. Due to the tortuous and ribbon-shaped anatomy of the primary teeth, the instrumentation of endodontic hand files and barbed broaches is not an easy procedure. Recently, many automatic Ni-Ti rotary instruments have been developed and has made endodontic treatment easier and faster. This report describes two cases of root canal treatment on primary molars using Ni-Ti rotary files. The cervical constricture was eliminated by the crown-down method, as smaller file proceeded unhindered into the apical third of the canal. In addition, the crown-down technique enhanced the efficacy of the endodontic irrigant. The use of rotary instrumentation for primary teeth seemed to be a more effective way to debride the uneven walls of primary teeth.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.393-401
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to compare the canal configuration after shaping by ProTaper rotary files and ProTaper hand files in resin simulated canals. Forty resin simulated canals with a curvature of J-shape and S-shape were divided into four groups by 10 blocks each Simulated root canals in resin block were prepared by ProTaper rotary files and ProTaper hand files using a crown-down pressureless technique All simulated canals were prepared up to size $\#25$ file at end-point of preparation. Pre- and post-instrumentation images were recorded with color scanner. Assessment of canal shape was completed with an image analysis program. Measurements were made at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 mm from the apex. At each level, outer canal width, inner canal width, total canal width, and amount of transportation from original axis were recorded. Instrumentation time was recorded. The data were analyzed statistically using independent t-test. The result was that ProTaper hand files cause significantly less canal transportation from original axis of canal body and maintain original canal configuration better than ProTaper rotary files, however ProTaper hand files take more shaping time.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.257-268
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• 1998

During cleaning and shaping of narrow and curved canals, it is very difficult or nearly impossible to maintain the original canal shape. Procedural accidents such as, ledge, zipping, perforation, and instrument breakage are frequently occurred and even may lead to failure of endodontic therapy. To prevent these kinds of accidents, various instrumentation techniques and materials have been introduced. Recently some nickel titanium (NiTi) files are introduced and it is reported that These NiTi files created rounder preparations with less transportation than conventional instruments in curved canals. This study compared the change of the canal curvature and procedural accidents after instrumentation produced by stainless steel K-flexo file, and NiTi rotary files (Profile 29 and Quantec 2000). Thirty narrow and curved canals (25-45 degree) of extracted human molars were randomly divided into three groups. In group 1, canals were instrumented using a step-back and watch-winding/pull motion with K-flexo files. In group 2, canals were prepared with Profile 29. Group 3, canals were prepared with Quantec 2000 files. Before and after preparation of canals, periapical radiographs were taken and scanned. The change of canal curvature were measured using Photoshop 4.0 program and the incidence of procedural accidents were also evaluated. The results were as follows: 1. All group showed some loss of canal curvature after instrumentation. 2. Average loss of canal curvature was $6.70{\pm}5.31$ degree for group 1, $3.80{\pm}2.57$ degree for group 2, and $5.40{\pm}4.83$ degree for group 3. All group There was significant change in curvature between before and after instrumentation (p<0.05). But there was no statistical difference amoung 3 groups. 3. In group I, there were no procedural accidents, such as ledging, perforation, or instrument fracture. In group 2, two cases of ledge and one case of instrument fracture were produced Goup 3, each one case of ledge, perforation and instrument fracture were occurred. Whthin the limits of above results, It seems that NiTi rotary instrumentation is not All Mighty and if we use uncarefully, it is more dangerous to produce some procedural accidents than conventional hand files. But more studies should be taken to evaluate the exact effects of NiTi rotary instrumentations.

• Proceedings of the KACD Conference
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• 2001.11a
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• pp.573.2-573
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• 2001

The objective of this study was to compare the apical shaping ability of the ProFile .04 taper, Lightspeed and HERO 642 rotary instruments and to assess the combined effect of GT Rotary files to Lightspeed and HERO 642 instruments. Forty-eight resin simulated root canal blocks divided into 4 groups with 12 canals. Forty-eight blocks were prepared by one operator with GT Rotary files using a high torque handpiece at 300 rpm. Thirty-six blocks in the three experimental groups were prepared with ProFile 04 taper file, Lightspeed file, HERO 642 file.(omitted)