Purpose:
Purpose: To compare the efficacy of “feeling” the apical constriction in flared and nonflared root canals by tactile sensation.
- N= 120 root canals.
Exclusion criteria: complicated anatomy, external root resorption, severe curvature,
Materials/Methods:
- Access cavity in all teeth.
- Group 1: (n=68) no pre-flaring – Apical constriction detected using #15 or 20 K-files
- Group 2: (n=52) canal orifice enlarged and coronally pre-flared with GG #2-4, H-files, Ultrasonic files. Size 15 and 20 K-file inserted in the canal until apical constriction was felt.
- Radiograph taken then the distance between tip of the file and the radiographic apex was measured.
- Results classified: (a) within 1 mm of the radiographic apex. (b) underextended 1 mm or more. (c) overextended.
Most highlighted Results:
- 75% of preflared group and 32% of non-flared were within 1 mm from RG apex.
- Files inserted in preflared root canals had a significantly lower incidence of overextension (21%) than the non flared (41%).
Clinical Significance:
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Pre-flaring increased accurate tactile detection of the apical constriction and reduced occurrence of overextension
(a)Within 1 mm of the radiographic apex (b)Underextended l mm or more short of the radiographic apex
(c)Overextended beyond the radiographic apex.