Effect of Radiotherapy and Taper of Root Canal Preparation on the Biomechanical Behavior of Mesial Roots of Mandibular Molars

ABSTRACT

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the effect of radiotherapy and taper of root canal preparation on the biomechanical behavior of mesial roots of mandibular molars.

Methods

Eighty mandibular molars with two canals in the mesial root were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 40): one group underwent irradiation (60 Gy), while the other did not. Subsequently, the mesial roots were sectioned and each group was subdivided into five subgroups (n = 8), according to the preparation taper: no preparation (control); 25.03; 25.04; 25.06; and 25.08. All groups were considered homogeneous regarding their dimensions, weight and morphology. The prepared specimens were embedded in cylindrical plastic molds and subjected to a cyclic fatigue test. A failure analysis was performed according to the extension and course of the fractures. Two-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc, Fisher's exact and Kaplan-Meier tests were conducted to evaluate the obtained data (α = 5%).

Results

Fatigue resistance decreased as the taper of the preparation increased (p < 0.05). Preparation 25.03 presented significantly higher values only than 25.08 (p < 0.05), while 25.04, 25.06 and 25.08 were considered similar (p > 0.05). Irradiation significantly reduced the biomechanical performance (p < 0.05). Survival analysis corroborated these findings. There were no differences in the distribution of fracture types among the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The biomechanical behavior of the mesial roots of the mandibular molars decreased significantly in the face of irradiation and as the taper of the preparation increased.