Frequency and performance analysis of polymer, steel, and titanium ultrasonic inserts in intracanal medication removal

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Biomaterials Science
• Acoustic Engineering

Background:

• Ultrasonic inserts vary in shape, angle, and material, influencing their acoustic properties.
• Effective removal of intracanal medication, such as calcium hydroxide, is crucial for successful endodontic treatment.
• Micro-computed tomography (microCT) is a valuable tool for quantifying residual medication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acoustic frequencies generated by different ultrasonic inserts (steel, titanium, polymer).
• To compare the efficacy of the iVac system, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and conventional irrigation in removing calcium hydroxide-based medication.

Main Methods:

• Acoustic wave analysis (vibroacoustography) was used to measure frequencies of steel, titanium, and polymer inserts.
• Three irrigation protocols (conventional, PUI, iVac) were applied to 30 teeth with calcium hydroxide medication.
• Micro-computed tomography (microCT) was employed to quantify residual medication before and after irrigation.

Main Results:

• Ultrasonic inserts generated frequencies within the expected range (37-45 kHz).
• The iVac system achieved significantly higher medication removal (99.8%) compared to PUI (97.3%) and conventional irrigation (73.0%).
• Both iVac and PUI demonstrated statistically significant superiority over conventional irrigation (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• The tested ultrasonic inserts function within their specified frequency ranges.
• The iVac system is highly effective for removing intracanal medication, surpassing PUI and conventional methods.