Analysis of cutting efficiency and superficial quality of resected root surface using different tools for apicoectomy: In vitro study

Introduction: In cases of endodontic treatment failures, retreatment is indicated, and when retreatment is not feasible, surgical intervention is performed. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of apicectomies performed with Bladesonic and W1-O ultrasonic tips, comparing them with the #699 carbide drill; aspects related to cutting speed and postresection surface roughness were observed. Materials and Methods: Palatal and distobuccal roots from 36 extracted maxillary molars were used. The teeth were instrumented with rotary files up to #35/.04 in the distobuccal root and #50/.02 in the palatal root and filled with a thermoplasticizing technique with AH Plus cement. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups ( n = 12): Bladesonic, W1-O, and control (carbide #699 bur). After 15 days of filling, the specimens were apicectomized, at an angle of 90°, 3.0 mm from the root apex. The time required for root resection was recorded on a digital chronometer (0.01s); velocity was considered the ratio between time and area of each specimen. Roughness (μm) was measured by a blinded examiner regarding the apicoectomy method in a roughness meter calculated as a function of the arithmetic mean of the absolute values of the deviations from the profile within the evaluation length (Ra). The values obtained (speed and roughness) were submitted to the ANOVA analysis of variance and Tukey’s test ( P < 0.05); regression analysis was also applied among the characteristics analyzed. Results: The group prepared with the #699 drill showed shorter time for cutting in both roots. In turn, the group prepared with Bladesonic insert exhibited fewer rough surfaces. Conclusions: Under the conditions of the present study, it was possible to conclude that the type of instrument used in apicoectomy has an influence on the efficiency and quality of the cut.