XIX National Congress and VI International of the Spanish Society of Conservative Dentistry

17-19, May 2012

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Meeting Abstract

Sponsors: Sociedad Española de Odontología Conservadora (SEOC)

- Oral Presentation 15

TITLE: Dissolution of endodontic files via an electrochemical process.

AUTHORS

García Rielo, Manuel Miguel ¹

Fernández Alonso, Pablo¹

Buceta Fernández, David²

Rivas Mundiña, Berta¹

Martin Biedma, Benjamín¹

1.- Unidad de Patología y Terapéutica Dental II. Universidad de Santiago de Compostela

2.- Laboratorio de Magnetismo y Nanotecnología (Nanomag). Universidad de Santiago de Compostela

SOURCE: Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2012 August 1;17(Supplement2):S15.

* doi:10.4317/medoral.17643799

http://dx.doi.org/10.4317/medoral.17643799

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to introduce a new concept of retrieval of fractured instruments from root canals based on an electrochemical process. METHODS Eighteen rotary fragments files were produced (WaveOneTM primary) divided into three groups according to their length (5, 10 and 17 mm); a 3-electrode electrochemical cell was used that contained a saturated calomel electrode as reference, platinum as counter electrode and each of the fragments as the working electrode. The solution was composed by NaF and NaCl. A constant anodic potential was applied for one hour, connected to an AutoLab Potentiostat controlled by a computer. Before and after each test fragments are weighed with a precision microbalance (Mettler Toledo). Statistical analysis with nonparametric test were performed. RESULTS There is a dissolution of the fragments files causing a statistically significant weight loss (Wilcoxon positive) with 85% of weight loss in the 5 mm. group, 71% in the 10 mm. group and 36% in the 17 mm. group. We found that a greater difference in weight loss obtained is observed a maximum current potential reached, indicating a good correlation (Pearson Coefficient 0.85) showing greater dissolution of the fragments. CONCLUSIONS The results presented here showed that it is possible to obtain a significant dissolution of endodontic instrument fragments by an electrochemical process; this concept is the basis for the development of a effective method to remove fractured instruments from root canals.

KEYWORDS

Endodontic instrument, fracture, micro-electrodes, nickel-titanium, retrieval of fractured instrument, active dissolution.