• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the shaping abilities of various hybrid instrumentation method using constant tapered file systems with $ProTaper\^{(R)}$ S1 and the difference between experts and inexperienced clinicians in use of NiTi file. Three hybrid methods used in this study were composed of $ProTaper\^{(R)}\;S1\;and\;K-Flexofile\^{(R)}\;(group S),\;ProTaper\^{(R)}\;S1\;and\;HeroShaper\^{(R)}\;(group\;H),\;and\;ProTaper\^{(R)}\;S1\;and\;ProFile\^{(R)}\;(group\;P)$respectively. The $ProTaper\^{(R)}$-alone method (group C) was introduced as a control group. After canal preparation, the lapse of time was recorded. The images of pre- and post-operative canal were scanned and superimposed. Amounts of instrumented canal widths and centering ratio were measured at apical 1, 2 and 3 mm levels and statistical analysis was performed In this study. both of the group C and S took more time to prepare canals than other groups, Inexperienced operators required more time for the entire preparation with the groups C and H than the experienced (p<0.05). And the centering ratio of group P were preferable to $ProTaper\^{(R)}$-alone method or the hybrid technique using stainless steel files. As such, within experienced operators, group H also showed better results in addition to the group P. Under these condition, the hybrid methods of each the $ProFile^{(R)}$ system and $HeroShaper^{(R)}$ with ProTaper are recommendable comparative to $ProTaper\^{(R)}$-alone method. According to the results, the hybrid instrumentation method is a more appropriate method of canal preparation than single file system for narrow or curved canals.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.530-541
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• 2007

Currently, various Nickel-Titanium rotary files are used in endodontic treatment, but there is no one perfect system that can be applied to any clinical situation. Therefore, the combined uses of various file systems which can emphasize the advantages of each system are introduced as hybrid instrumentation. The ProTaper system is efficient in body shaping and apical pre-enlargement but is reported to have more possibility of transportation and produce more aberrations and deformation in more or less severe curved canals. Recently, new ProTaper system(ProTaper Universal) with different configuration and cross-sectional design to overcome the week points of ProTaper have been marketed. The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the shaping abilities of ProTaper, ProTaper Universal system, and two hybrid methods using S-series of ProTaper Universal and Hero Shaper or ProFile. The time lapses for instrumentation were measured and the used files were inspected for distortion. The pre- and post-instrumented root canals were scanned and superimposed to evaluate the aberrations and reduction of root canal curvature and change of radius of canal curvature. The increased canal width and apical centering ratio were calculated at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm levels from apical foramen. Under the conditions of this study, the ProTaper Universal seems to have better shaping ability than ProTaper in terms of instrumented width and instrumentation time. It may be suggested that the ProTaper Universal system is efficient as much as hybrid instrumentation using ProTaper and other constant-tapered NiTi file systems in highly experienced operators.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.50-57
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to investigate influence of each file step of $ProTaper^{(R)}$ system on canal transportation. Twenty simulated canals were prepared with either engine-driven $ProTaper^{(R)}$ or manual $ProTaper^{(R)}$, Group R-resin blocks were instrumented with rotary $ProTaper^{(R)}$ and group M-resin blocks were instrumented with manual $ProTaper^{(R)}$. Pre-operative resin blocks and post-operative resin blocks after each file step preparation were scanned. Original canal image and the image after using each file step were superimposed for calculation of centering ratio The image after using each file step alld image after using previous file step were superimposed for calculation of the amount of deviation. Measurements were taken horizontally at five different levels (1 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm) from the level of apical foramen. In rotary $ProTaper^{(R)}$ instrumentation group, centering ratio and the amount of deviation of each step at all levels were not significantly different (p>0.05). In manual $ProTaper^{(R)}$ instrumentation group, centering ratio and the amount of deviation of each step at all levels except of 1 mm were not significantly different (p>0.05). At the level of 1 mn, F2 file step had significantly large centering ratio and the amount of deviation (p<0.05). Under the condition of this study, F2 file step of manual ProTaper tended to transport the apical part of the canals than that of rotary $ProTaper^{(R)}$.

• 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.30 no.4
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• pp.294-302
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the canal configuration after shaping by ProFile. ProTaper and K-Flexofile in simulated resin canals with different angles of curvature. Three types of instruments were used: ProFile. ProTaper. K-Flexofile. Simulated root canals. which were made of epoxy resin. were prepared by ProFile. ProTaper with rotary instrument using a crown-down pressureless technique. and hand instrumentation was performed by K-Flexofile using a step-back technique. All simulated. canals were prepared up to size 25 file at end-point of preparation. Pre and post instrumentation images were recorded with Scanner. Assessment of canal shape was completed with Image Analysis program. Measurements were made at 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9 and 10mm from the apex. At each level. outer canal width. inner canal width. total canal width. and amount of transportation from original axis were recorded. Instrument deformation and fracture were recorded. Data were analyzed by means of one-way ANOVA analysis of variance and the Sheffe's test. The result was that ProFile and ProTaper maintain original canal shape regardless of the increase of angle of curvature than K-Flexofile. ProFile show significantly less canal transportation and maintained original canal shape better than ProTaper.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.323-331
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• 2008

Flexibility and fracture properties determine the performance of NiTi rotary instruments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how geometrical differences between three NiTi instruments affect the deformation and stress distributions under bending and torsional conditions using finite element analysis. Three NiTi files (ProFile .06 / #30, F3 of ProTaper and ProTaper Universal) were scanned using a Micro-CT. The obtained structural geometries were meshed with linear, eight-noded hexahedral elements. The mechanical behavior (deformation and von Mises equivalent stress) of the three endodontic instruments were analyzed under four bending and rotational conditions using ABAQUS finite element analysis software. The nonlinear mechanical behavior of the NiTi was taken into account. The U-shaped cross sectional geometry of ProFile showed the highest flexibility of the three file models. The ProTaper, which has a convex triangular cross-section, was the most stiff file model. For the same deflection, the ProTaper required more force to reach the same deflection as the other models, and needed more torque than other models for the same amount of rotation. The highest von Mises stress value was found at the groove area in the cross-section of the ProTaper Universal. Under torsion, all files showed highest stresses at their groove area. The ProFile showed highest von Mises stress value under the same torsional moment while the ProTaper Universal showed the highest value under same rotational angle.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.45 no.6 s.457
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• pp.362-369
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• 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the hybrid instrumentation method with ProTaper and ProFile on the change of root canal area and distance from the canal to the root surface after canal shaping. The mesial canals of twenty extracted mandibular first molars having $10-20^{\circ}\Delta$ curvature were scanned using X-ray microcomputed tomography (XMCT)-scanner before root canals were instrumented. They were divided into four groups (n=10 canals ter group). In Group 1, root canals were instrumented by the step-back technique with stainless steel K-Flexofile after coronal flaring. The remainders were instrumented by the crown-down technique with, ProTaper system (Group 2), ProFile (Group 3) or ProTaper (Group 4). All canals were prepared up to size 25 at the end-point of preparation and scanned again. Pre- and post-operative cross-sectional images of 1, 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apical foramen were compared. For each level, change of cross-sectional canal are and distance to the nearest external root surface was calculated using Adobe Photoshop 6.0 and image software program. In the change of cross-sectional area, Group 4 was less than Group 2 at 3 mm and 5 mm level (p<0.05). In the difference of the distance from the canal to the root surface after canal shaping, Group 4 was least among the other groups at 7 mm level (p<0.05). According to the results, the methods using ProFile or K file only and the hybrid instrumentation technique using ProTaper and ProFile are more appropriate methods of canal preparation than ProTaper system for narrow of curved canals.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.87-94
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• 2007

This study was done to evaluate transportation of the apical foramen after 0.5 mm overinstrumentation by ProFile, ProTaper and $K^3$ in simulated resin root canal. Sixty simulated resin root canal with a curvature of J and S-shape were divided into two groups. Each group consisted of three subgroups with 10 blocks according to the instruments used: $ProFile^{(R)},\;ProTaper^{TM},\;and\;K^{3TM}$. Simulated resin root canal was prepared by ProFile, ProTaper and $K^3$ with 300 rpm by the crown-down preparation technique. Pre- and post-instrumentation apical foramen images were overlapped and recorded with Image-analyzing microscope 100X (Camcope, Sometech Inc, Korea). The amounts of difference in width and dimension on overlapped images were measured after reference points were determined by Image Analysis program ($Image-Pro^{(R)}$ Express, Media Cybernetic, USA). Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test. The results suggest that ProFile showed significantly less canal transportation and maintained original apical foramen shape better than $K^3$ and ProTaper.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.200-205
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• 2001

이 연구의 목적은 만곡 근관에서 다양한 크기로 근첨을 형성하였을 때 형성 전후의 근관의 전이 정도를 분석하고자 하는 것이다. 만곡된 근관을 가진 투명한 레진블럭 상에서 ProFile .06 taper와 K-flexofile을 이용하여 각각 근관형성을 시행하고 이를 똑같은 위치가 재현가능한 고정틀에 위치시킨 후 사진의 이중노출 기법을 이용하여 근관형성 전후의 근관의 전이정도를 분석한 결과 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 1. ProFile의 경우 형성된 근관이 taper한데 비해 K-flexofiles의 경우 형성된 근관이 taper하지 못하고 확대가 더 컸다. K-flexofiles의 경우 ProFile의 경우보다 근첨 0~6mm 부위에서 유의하게 더 굵었다(p<0.05). 2. 만곡외측으로의 확대양상은 ProFile의 경우 대체적으로 taper하나 근첨 3~4mm부위가 약간 굵었다. K-flexofile의 경우 만곡외측으로의 확대양상은 taper하지 못하고 불규칙하였다. ProFile에 비해 근첨 0~2mm에서 유의하게 확대가 더 컸다(p<0.05). 3. 만곡내측으로의 확대양상은 모든 군에서 taper하였으나 K-flexofile의 경우 ProFile의 경우보다 확대가 더 컸다. K-flexofile의 경우 ProFile에 비해 근첨 3~5mm부위에서 유의하게 확대가 더 컸다(p<0.05).

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.390-398
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the apical fitness of non-standardized gutta-percha cones in root canals prepared with rotary Ni-Ti root canal instruments of various tapers and apical tip sizes. Simulated sixty curved root canals of plastic blocks were prepared with crown-down technique using rotary root canal instruments of Maillefer ProFile$^{(R)}$ .04 and .06 taper (Maillefer Instrument SA, Switzerland). Specimens were divided into six groups and prepared as follows: Group 1, prepared up to size 25 of .04 taper ; Group 2, prepared up to size 30 of .04 taper ; Group 3, prepared up to size 35 of .04 taper ; Group 4, prepared up to size 25 of .06 taper ; Group 5, prepared up to size 30 of .06 taper ; Group 6 ; prepared up to size 35 of .06 taper. After cutting off the coronal portion of plastic, blocks perpendicular to the long axis of the canal with the use of a diamond saw, apical 5mm of canal space was analyzed. Prepared apical canal spaces were duplicated using rubber base impression material to evaluate two dimensional total area of apical canal space. Various sized gutta-percha cones were applied in the 5mm-apical canal space, which were size 25, size 30 and size 35 standardized gutta-percha cone, Diadent Dia-Pro ISO-.04$^{TM}$ and .06$^{TM}$(Diadent, Korea), and medium-fine (MF), fine (F), fine-medium (FM) and medium (M) sized non-standardized gutta-percha cones (Diadent, Korea). Coronal excess gutta-percha were cut off with a sharp blade. Photographs of impressed apical canal spaces and gutta-percha cones were taken with a CCD camera under a stereomicroscope and stored in a computer. Areas of the total canal space and gutta-percha cones were calculated using a digitalized image analysing program, CompuScope (Sungjin Multimedia Co., Korea). Ratio of apical fitness was obtained by calculating the area of gutta-percha cone to the total area of the canal space. The data were analysed statistically using One-way Analysis of Variance and Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results were as follows: 1. In canals prepared up to size 25 ProFile$^{(R)}$ of .04 taper, non-standardized MF and F cones occupied significantly more canal space than Dia-Pro ISO-.04$^{TM}$ or size 25 standardized ones (p<0.05). 2. In canals prepared up to size 30 ProFile$^{(R)}$ of .04 taper, non-standardized F cones occupied significantly more canal space than Dia-Pro ISO-.04$^{TM}$ or size 30 standardized ones (p<0.05), and non-standardized MF cones occupied more canal space than size 30 standardized ones (p<0.05). 3. In canals prepared up to size 35 ProFile$^{(R)}$ of .04 taper, there was no significant difference in canal space occupation among non-standardized MF and F, size 35 standardized, and Dia-Pro ISO-.04$^{TM}$ cones (p>0.05). 4. In canals prepared up to size 25 ProFile$^{(R)}$ of .06 taper, non-standardized MF and F cones occupied significantly more canal space than Dia-Pro ISO-.06$^{TM}$, or size 25 standardized ones (p<0.05), and Dia-Pro ISO-.06$^{TM}$, cones occupied significantly more space than size 25 standardized ones (p<0.05). 5. In canals prepared up to size 30 ProFile$^{(R)}$ of .06 taper, non-standardized FM cones occupied significantly more canal space than Dia-Pro ISO-.06$^{TM}$ or size 30 standardized ones (p<0.05), and non-standardized F cones occupied significantly more canal space than size 30 standardized ones (p<0.05). 6. In canals prepared up to size 35 ProFile$^{(R)}$ of .06 taper, non-standardized M and FM, Dia-Pro ISO-.06$^{TM}$ occupied significantly more canal space than size 35 standardized ones (p<0.05). In summary, in both canals prepared with .04 or .06 taper ProFile$^{(R)}$, non-standardized cones showed better fitness than Dia-Pro ISO$^{TM}$ or standardized ones, which was more characteristic in smaller canals.