AIM To compare the apical fit in two dimensions of the first K-file versus the first Lightspeed LSX instrument binding at working length after an initial crown-down preparation. METHODOLOGY Twenty maxillary molars with fully developed roots and four separate root canals were selected. Canals were pre-flared with ProFile.04 taper instruments to three quarters of estimated working length. Worki...

In Ancient Southern Mesopotamia (now Iraq), rainfall was never high enough to sustain agriculture, so for thousands of years people used a system of canals to irrigate their fields. These canals, built up over generations, have long formed the basis of settlement patterns and state relations in the region, making their location and mapping of key interest to archaeologists. However, since 1991,...

AIM To investigate physical parameters for ProTaper nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments whilst preparing curved canals in maxillary molars in vitro. METHODOLOGY A novel torque-testing platform was used to prepare root canals in 15 extracted human maxillary molars with ProTaper rotary instruments. Peak torque and force was registered along with numbers of rotations required to shape the ...

AIM To investigate ex vivo, the root canal morphology of the MB root of maxillary first molar teeth by means of micro-computed tomography. METHODOLOGY Thirty extracted intact human maxillary first molar teeth were selected for micro-tomographic analysis (SkyScan 1072, Aartselaar, Belgium) with a slice thickness of 38.0 mum. The following data regarding the MB root were analysed and recorded: ...

OBJECTIVE To compare the capacity of a reciprocating system (Endo-Gripper) and a rotary system (Profile .04) for mechanical removal of root-filling material from curved root canals in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty canals (40 mesiobuccal and 40 mesiolingual) from mandibular first molars were instrumented and had their roots filled. After 6 months, 3-dimensional images of the roots were o...

Mandibular canines present a complex internal anatomy. There are reported cases of canines with a single root and two canals, three canals, two roots or fused roots. The existence of mandibular canines with more than one root canal is a documented fact that clinicians should keep in mind, in order to avoid failure during endodontic treatment. In spite of the low incidence of lower canines with ...

The Drosophila kelch gene encodes a member of a protein superfamily defined by the presence of kelch repeats. In Drosophila, Kelch is required to maintain actin organization in ovarian ring canals. We set out to study the actin cross-linking activity of Kelch and how Kelch function is regulated. Biochemical studies using purified, recombinant Kelch protein showed that full-length Kelch bundles ...

This study evaluated the efficiency of different techniques for removal of filling material from root canals, using computed tomography (CT). Sixty mesial roots from extracted human mandibular molars were used. Root canals were filled and, after 6 months, the teeth were randomly assigned to 3 groups, according to the root-filling removal technique: Group A - hand instrumentation with K-type fil...