Evaluation of two different root-end cavity preparation techniques: A scanning electron microscope study

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the dentinal walls of root‑end cavities for the presence of cracks after cavity preparation using US retrotips and Er: YAG laser. Materials and Methods: Fifty single‑rooted teeth were prepared by Protaper NiTi rotary system and obturated by lateral condensation. Three milimeters of root‑end was resected. Twenty teeth were prepared with US retrotip (Group 1), 20 teeth with Er: YAG laser (Group 2), and 10 teeth without retropreparation (control group). The root‑end surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Then the cracks of the resected root surfaces were evaluated on microphotographs. Results: No statistically significant difference was detected between US Group and Laser Group for complete, incomplete, intradentinal, and total number of cracks (P = 0.47, P = 0.80, P = 0.69, P = 0.869, respectively). Conclusion: Statistical analysis revealed no significant effect of retropreparation technique on the development of apical cracks (P > 0.05).