Root-End Fracture During Retropreparation: A Comparison Between Zirconium Nitride-Coated and Stainless Steel Microsurgical Ultrasonic Instruments

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a stainless steel (CT-5) and zirconium nitride coated (KiS) microsurgical ultrasonic instrument with regard to possible root-end fracture production during retropreparation. Forty extracted human central incisors were prepared in a crown-down fashion. Canals were obturated with gutta-percha by lateral condensation. Root-ends were resected. Teeth were placed in methylene blue for 48 h and evaluated by three independent evaluators under microscope. Teeth with existing fractures were eliminated from the study. The remaining teeth were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A was prepared with the CT-5 tip and Group B with the KiS tip. Preparation time was recorded for all roots. The teeth were again immersed in methylene blue for 48 h and reevaluated. No root-end fractures were produced by either the KiS or CT-5 microsurgical ultrasonic instruments.