Clinical evaluation of the capabilities and manipulative characteristics of a modified tungsten alloy endodontic finishing file

AIM. To conduct a clinical assessment of the capabilities and manipulation characteristics of a modified tungsten alloy endodontic finishing file.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study design involved the participation of 7 dentists with at least 10 years of experience performing endodontic treatment at 7 different medical clinics. Each of the specialists performed endodontic treatment of 15 teeth, both primary and repeated, in accordance with established diagnoses for diseases of the pulp and periodontium with optic magnification. The irrigation stage of the root canal system was complemented by the use of a finishing file made by twisting wire from a modified tungsten alloy with a bundle of microbristles on the end part. The study used 105 instruments in 105 clinical cases. To standardize the assessment of capabilities and manipulation characteristics, a specially designed questionnaire was used to comprehensively evaluate the work with the instrument. Clinical photo documentation of the work stages, data collection and archiving, statistical processing and subsequent analysis were carried out. The consistency of expert opinions was studied by calculating the Kendall concordance coefficient (W).

RESULTS. The clinical capabilities and manipulative characteristics of a finishing endodontic file made of a modified tungsten alloy based on a standardized profile questionnaire have been determined. The moderate consistency of expert opinions (W = 0.54) is statistically significant at a very high level (p < 0.001), which allows us to consider the expert assessments to be objective. The advantages and limitations of using these files are outlined. Clinical recommendations for the use of this instrument have been formulated.

CONCLUSIONS. The use of a twisted-type endodontic finishing file made of a modified tungsten alloy in the root canal irrigation algorithm forms a new approach in endodontics aimed at improving root canal treatment and increasing the success of treatment in clinical dentistry. The results obtained will form the basis for the development of methodological approaches to conducting both laboratory and clinical research in this area.  

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