A Comparison of the Effects of Two Canal Preparation Techniques on Root Fracture Susceptibility and Fracture Pattern

The purpose of the study was to determine whether rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) canal preparation strengthens roots, and whether the fracture pattern can be predicted by finite element analysis (FEA) models. From a fracture mechanics viewpoint, structural defects, cracks or canal irregularities are likely to play a major role in fracture susceptibility of the roots, because stresses can be exponentially amplified at these sites. By incorporating defects into a smooth round canal using rotary NiTi, theoretically the roots could be strengthened. 25 teeth were prepared using hand files and another 25 using rotary NiTi. After obturation, all teeth were subject to loading until fracture; load and patterns were recorded. Four FEA models were created from fractured roots. No significant difference of fracture load between the two techniques was found. Mesio-distal fracture occurred more often in the rotary NiTi group. Stress patterns in three of the four FEA models correlated well with the observed fracture patterns.