Root canal conicity of primary maxillary molars and its relationship with different rotational systems

Abstract

Aim: To determine the root canal taper of primary maxillary molars and the degree of compatibility of various rsotary systems concerning root anatomy.

Materials and methods: This in vitro study collected donated first and second primary molars (1 M and 2 M) with mesio-buccal (MB), disto-buccal (DB) and palatal (P) roots canal without physiological resorption, type I according to Vertucci, and root length greater than 4 mm. The teeth were mounted in silicone blocks and scanned with tomographic equipment from which images were reconstructed and analysed with the 3D-Slicer® programme, allowing for the measurement of the diameters of the root canals and the calculation of their tapers. The tapers were compared with the characteristics of the rotary systems: Endogal®, Protaper universal®, Mtwo® and Protaper Next®. MANOVA and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results: After the analysis of 130 root canals, a mean increase in taper in the buccal-palatal (BP) direction was observed in the 2 M (MB:16.7%; DB:16.23%; P:8.86%) and the 1 M (MB: 9.75%; DB: 11.30%; P: 2.26%). In the mesiodistal (MD) direction, the 1 M exhibited an average taper of MB:6.95%, DB:4.67%, P:12.74% and in the 2 M, an average taper of 4.67% for the MB canal; 6.60%; 20.14% for DB and P canals, respectively.

Conclusion: The rotary files that presented the best adaptation to the diameter and taper of the root canal were Endogal® and ProTaper Universal® systems.