The primary objective of endodontic retreatment is the complete removal of the root canal filling material, followed by thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal in preparation for final obturation [14]. Unfortunately, during the process of canal preparation and retreatment, there is a tendency for debris to be apically extruded, resulting in potential postoperative discomfort, including pain and swelling [15]. This phenomenon of apical extrusion has been documented in primary root canal treatments involving various canal preparation techniques [16].
This study compared the extent of apically extruded debris during endodontic retreatment, employing three different Ni-Ti file systems in teeth with external apical root resorption that had been filled using distinct root canal filling techniques.
External inflammatory resorption typically presents as an orthodontic problem and primarily affects the apical region of the tooth [17]. It has been reported that 42.3% of maxillary central incisors, 38.5% of maxillary lateral incisors, and 17.4% of mandibular incisors are susceptible to this condition [18]. Therefore, in our study, we selected maxillary central and lateral incisors as our subjects, considering their relatively higher incidence of external apical root resorption.
Da Silveira et al. [19] emphasized the irregular nature of the natural root resorption process, which results in the formation of lesions with varying characteristics. To address this irregularity, they suggested the use of acid demineralization as a method for creating irregular resorption cavities. This approach led to the development of resorption lesions with differing diameters and depths. However, in our current study, we opted for a different methodology to create simulated apical root resorption lesions. We achieved standardization by removing the apical 2 mm of the root using burs, similar to the approach followed in Topcuoglu's study [20].
In previous investigations, researchers have employed materials like floral foam and agar gel to simulate the resistance of periapical tissues [21]. While these materials have been valuable for experimental purposes, they have limitations. Floral foam, when used as a barrier, has the drawback of potentially absorbing irrigant solutions and debris [22]. On the other hand, the agar gel model, though useful, fails to capture the full spectrum of periapical conditions. This is because the thickness of the agar gel around the apex is standardized, while the density of periapical tissues can vary in different cases [21]. In our study, we consciously chose not to simulate periapical tissue resistance and instead adopted the method outlined by Myers and Montgomery [23].
In clinical practice, retreatment procedures typically involve using files with apical diameters larger than the apical diameter of the master apical file used in the initial canal preparation, ensuring comprehensive removal of root canal filling material [24]. A previous study has highlighted the influence of the number of files on the amount of apically extruded debris [25]. In the present study, additional instrumentation was introduced using size 50 files and one file to replicate clinical conditions, especially since the apical diameter of the master apical file in the initial canal preparation was size 40. However, a potential limitation in the study is the variability in the taper of the final instruments among the groups due to standardized produced files in the systems used, which may introduce inconsistency in the experimental design. The current study chose distilled water as the irrigation solution during canal preparation. This decision was made to prevent any possible crystallization of NaOCl, which has the potential to alter the weight of dentine debris and compromise the reliability of the results [22].
The study revealed that the Reciproc file system caused significantly more extruded debris than the PTUR and VDW.RotateR systems (p < 0.05). In contrast, the amount of debris extrusion was significantly lower with the single-cone technique than the cold lateral compaction technique (p < 0.05). The total retreatment time did not show a significant difference between the file systems (p > 0.05). However, it is important to note that the total retreatment time was significantly shorter in the single-cone technique group compared to the cold lateral compaction technique group (p < 0.05).
In light of these findings, the null hypothesis was rejected, underscoring the significance of the choice of file system and obturation technique in influencing the amount of apically extruded debris during retreatment. These results align with a previous study that emphasized how reciprocating movements push debris toward the apex, supporting the validity of the study's findings [22].
In a study conducted by Dinçer et al. [26], a comparison was made among the ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTUR), Reciproc, and MtwoR file systems, revealing that the Reciproc system exhibited the lowest apical extrusion of debris. This finding contrasts with the results of our study and may be attributed to variations in the number of files employed in the respective studies. Topçuoğlu et al. [20] conducted a similar comparative analysis, where they assessed hand files, ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTUR), Reciproc, and D-Race file systems in teeth with simulated apical root resorption. They reported that the Reciproc system resulted in significantly less debris extrusion than the PTUR group. However, this contradictory outcome might be linked to operator-related variables. Çanakçı et al. [27] extended the comparative examination to include the PTUR, MTwoR, D-Race, R-Endo, and Reciproc file systems. Their findings indicated that the Reciproc system extruded significantly more debris than the other groups, a result in line with our current study's outcomes. In a separate investigation, Topçuoğlu et al. [28] evaluated the amount of apically extruded debris during the retreatment of root canals filled by three different filling techniques (CLC, WVC, and SCT), using two distinct sealers (AH Plus and MTA Fillapex). They determined that the SCT group exhibited significantly less debris extrusion than the CLC group, consistent with our study.
Rödig et al. [7] compared the total time required for retreatment using hand files, Reciproc, and PTUR, finding no statistically significant difference between Reciproc and PTUR. Similarly, Akbulut et al. [29] compared the total time required for retreatment using hand files, Twisted File (TF) Adaptive, Reciproc, and PTUR, yielding no statistically significant difference between Reciproc and PTUR. Our study's results align with the findings of these studies. However, Özyürek et al. [30] investigated the total time required for retreatment using Twisted File (TF) Adaptive, Protaper Next, Reciproc, and PTUR, revealing that PTUR was significantly faster than the other groups. Operator-related variables may explain this discrepancy.
Summarily, the implication of these diverse study outcomes underscores the multifaceted nature of factors influencing apical extrusion and total retreatment time. Operator-related variables, the number of files used, and the specific characteristics of the file systems may contribute to the variations observed in different research studies. Clinicians must consider these variables and choose the most appropriate techniques based on the clinical context. Further research and standardization of protocols are warranted to better guide clinical decision-making in endodontic retreatment procedures. For future research, a deeper exploration of the specific factors contributing to the observed differences and their clinical implications could provide valuable insights into endodontics.