Micro-computed tomography evaluation of the preparation of long oval root canals in mandibular molars with the self-adjusting file.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to assess the shaping potential of a novel nickel-titanium instrument, the self-adjusting file (SAF), in long oval root canals in distal roots in mandibular molars. METHODS Twenty mandibular molars with long oval distal root canals were selected and scanned preoperatively and postoperatively by using micro-computed tomography at an original resolution of 20 μm. Canals were shaped with the SAF, three-dimensionally reconstructed, and evaluated for volume, surface area, canal transportation, and prepared surface. Data were statistically contrasted by using paired t tests and regression analysis. RESULTS Preoperatively, canal volume was 7.73 ± 2.13 mm(3), and canal area was 42.83 ± 8.14 mm(2). Volumes and surface areas increased significantly (P < .001) by 4.84 ± 1.73 mm(3) and 3.34 ± 1.73 mm(2), respectively, and no gross preparation errors were detected. Unprepared canal surface varied between individual canals, and mean unprepared surface was 23.5% ± 8.9%. Prepared areas were significantly larger compared with rotary canal preparation done in a previous study. Canal transportation scores were higher in the coronal root canal third (106 ± 50 μm) compared with the apical third (81 ± 49 μm). CONCLUSIONS In vitro, preparation of long oval-shaped root canals in mandibular molars with the SAF was effective and safe. Moreover, shapes generated with the SAF were more complete compared with rotary canal preparation.