The effect of different endodontic access cavity designs on the amount of apically extruded debris

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to examine the effect of different endodontic access cavity designs on the amount of apically extruded debris. Methods: Sixty caries-free mandibular first molars were used. Before starting the access cavity preparations, all teeth were scanned on a cone beam computed tomography to outline the pulp chamber of the teeth. Four groups were planned according to the prepared cavity design as follows (n = 15 each): the traditional endodontic cavity (TEC), the conservative endodontic cavity (CEC), the truss endodontic cavity (TREC), and the ninja endodontic cavity (NEC) groups. The weight of extruded debris was determined by subtracting the initial weights of the tubes from the final weights of the tubes containing the debris. Results: Significantly less apical debris extrusion was observed in the NEC group compared with the CEC and TEC groups. There was no significant difference in the amount of apically extruded debris between the TREC group and the CEC and TEC groups. Conclusion: NEC and TREC design was associated with less debris extrusion than the TEC and CEC designs.