Cutting efficiency evaluation of Quantec Series 2000 orifice openers with computed tomography (CT).

INTRODUCTION Orifice openers or orifice shapers are used to shape the coronal part of the root canals during endodontic treatment. OBJECTIVES The aim of this work was to analyse the cutting efficiency of Quantec Series 2000 system orifice shapers by means of computerised tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Mandibular molars were selected, preoperative CT was performed and the cross-sections and surface area of the root canals were measured. Following access opening and preparation of the coronal part of the canals with Quantec Series 2000 orifice shapers, a further CT was obtained of all the teeth, the previous measurements were repeated and the two sets of measurements were compared. RESULTS Although the canals suffered modifications due to the action of the instruments, they remained centred and retained their original morphology; the changes were greater in the most coronal part of the canals. CONCLUSIONS the orifice shapers of the system under study kept the canals centred on their original position, so they do not present great aggressiveness during endodontic treatment; the canals that were initially the widest were those that showed the greatest modification; the CT system employed in the study showed itself to be an effective, non-invasive system for studying the changes that had taken place inside the root canals.