Comparison of the cutting efficiency of two ultrasonic units utilizing two different tips at two different power settings.

The objective of this in vitro study was to set up a testing protocol and utilize it to evaluate and compare the cutting efficiency of ultrasonic units. Evaluation of two ultrasonic units utilizing two different tips was done by measuring the weght of a dentin specimen before and after ultrasonic treatment for set time periods. The difference in weight was the amount of dentin removed. The ultrasonic units tested were the P5 Booster (Staelec, France) and the Spartan (Obtura-Spartan, Fenton, MO) machines. The tips tested were the CPR-2D and ETD20 types. The units were tested at maximum and medium power. All the experimental variables, ultrasonic unit type, power setting and tip type were found to have an effect on the cutting efficiency (P<0.0001). The P5 ultrasonic unit was more effective at dentin removal than the Spantan ultrasonic unit at both power settings. The ETD-20 tip was more effective at dentin removal than the CPR-2D tip on both units at both power settings.

[1]  Francisco José de Souza-Filho,et al.  Effect of sonic and ultrasonic retrograde cavity preparation on the integrity of root apices of freshly extracted human teeth: scanning electron microscopy analysis. , 2002, Journal of endodontics.

[2]  Stephen William Navarre,et al.  Root-end fracture during retropreparation: a comparison between zirconium nitride-coated and stainless steel microsurgical ultrasonic instruments. , 2002, Journal of endodontics.

[3]  L. A. Morgan,et al.  Comparison of dentinal crack incidence and of post removal time resulting from post removal by ultrasonic or mechanical force. , 1997, Journal of endodontics.

[4]  R. Walton,et al.  Breakage of ultrasonic root-end preparation tips. , 1996, Journal of endodontics.

[5]  L. A. Morgan,et al.  Evaluation of cracks associated with ultrasonic root-end preparation. , 1995, Journal of endodontics.

[6]  A. Walmsley,et al.  Cutting ability of an ultrasonic retrograde cavity preparation instrument. , 1995, Endodontics & dental traumatology.

[7]  A. Caputo,et al.  Evaluation of ultrasonic and sonic instruments for intraradicular post removal. , 1994, Journal of endodontics.

[8]  S. Dorn,et al.  Advances in endodontic surgery. , 1992, Dental clinics of North America.

[9]  L. Miserendino,et al.  Cutting efficiency of endodontic instruments. Part III. Comparison of sonic and ultrasonic instrument systems. , 1988, Journal of endodontics.

[10]  K. Krell,et al.  The use of ultrasonic endodontic instrumentation in the re-treatment of a paste-filled endodontic tooth. , 1985, Oral surgery, oral medicine, and oral pathology.

[11]  H. Martin,et al.  Ultrasonic disinfection of the root canal. , 1976, Oral surgery, oral medicine, and oral pathology.