Date of Award
Spring 2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Mohamed Ibrahim
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was twofold: 1) objectively evaluate root canal shaping and procedural mishaps using different NiTi rotary systems in the hands of unexperienced pre-doctoral dental students; 2) to gain an understanding of which rotary file system students subjectively prefer. Methods: Second year dental students (n=94) enrolled in preclinical endodontics received instructional videos and didactic lectures on the use of three different rotary filing systems: Vortex Blue, EndoSequence, and ProTaper Universal. Students completed root canal treatment using each file system on 3D printed premolars. The quantitative evaluation was completed after each project by two calibrated examiners using digital radiographs. Parameters evaluated included distance from apex, shape, and mishaps. The qualitative evaluation of the study was conducted at the end of the semester. The students completed surveys assessing their file preference based on ease of use, efficiency, and total number of procedural mishaps. Results: Quantitative analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the mean score when comparing the shape and location from apex between ProTaper Universal and Vortex Blue (p=.044) with Vortex Blue having the higher mean average score. There was no significant difference when comparing either of these systems to EndoSequence. Qualitative analysis demonstrated students had a significantly more challenging time negotiating canals using EndoSequence when compared to ProTaper Universal (p=0.0005) or Vortex Blue (p=0.0254). Students reported significantly more procedural mishaps using ProTaper Universal compared to Vortex Blue (p=0.0144) but there was no significance when comparing either of these systems to EndoSequence. Further qualitative analysis identified 59% of students prefer incorporating Vortex Blue into their future practice; 50% found it was the most intuitive to use, and 53% found it had the best cutting efficiency. Conclusions: In the hands of predoctoral dental students, Vortex Blue rotary files produced a significantly higher mean score when compared to ProTaper Universal. Students also experienced significantly fewer mishaps when comparing ProTaper Universal to Vortex Blue. Overall, Predoctoral dental students preferred using Vortex Blue rotary files and would consider implementing this system into their future practice.