Evaluation of the accuracy of the NiTi K-files and gutta-percha cones in gauging the apical foramen using the scanning electron microscope: An in vitro study
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Vol 16 No 1 (2025), Original Article
Vol 16 No 1 (2025)

Evaluation of the accuracy of the NiTi K-files and gutta-percha cones in gauging the apical foramen using the scanning electron microscope: An in vitro study

Original Article
https://doi.org/10.70174/iajd.v16i1.1389
Published 7 April 2025
Marie Louise SLIM
OMFS-IMPATH Research Group, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Roula EL HACHEM
Endodontic Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. Cranio-facial Research Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Lara NASR
Cranio-facial Research Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Romy ZOUEIN
Endodontic Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Rami MHANNA
Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Mia KARAM
Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut Lebanon.
Issam KHALIL
Cranio-facial Research Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Keywords

Apical gauging
apical diameter
scanning electron microscopy
Gutta-Percha Cones
NiTi K-Files

How to Cite

SLIM, M. L., EL HACHEM, R., NASR, L., ZOUEIN, R., MHANNA, R., KARAM, M., & KHALIL, I. (2025). Evaluation of the accuracy of the NiTi K-files and gutta-percha cones in gauging the apical foramen using the scanning electron microscope: An in vitro study. International Arab Journal of Dentistry (IAJD), 16(1), 56-65. https://doi.org/10.70174/iajd.v16i1.1389
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Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of apical gauging using NiTi K-files and gutta-percha cones and determine the level of agreement between the two methods using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

Methods: 75 circular and straight canals of mandibular first premolars were used. Canals were shaped using the R-Motion system 

(RM; FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) and gauged using NiTi K-files and gutta-percha cones matching the shaping instrument. Diameters measured on SEM images were used as the reference standard.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the prediction of apical diameter by gauging with both NiTi K-files (P < 0.001) and gutta-percha cones (P < 0.001) compared with the measurement of the diameter with the SEM. However, there were no significant differences between both gauging methods.

Conclusions: NiTi K-files and gutta-percha cones have similar accuracy but are not accurate in gauging the apical foramen.

https://doi.org/10.70174/iajd.v16i1.1389
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