Influence of canal curvature on the amount of apically extruded debris determined by using three-dimensional determination method.

The aim of this study was to introduce a new three-dimensional curvature classification method to evaluate the canal curvature and analyse its effect on the amount of debris extrusion during reciprocating preparation. Freshly extracted mandibular molar teeth were collected. After performing access cavities, periapical radiographs were taken on both mesio-distal and bucco-lingual planes of each tooth using a digital sensor. The radii of the curvature were calculated and a new three-dimensional classification method was used to classify canal curvature, based on radius as follows: Three-dimensionally slight, moderate and severe curve root canal. Fifteen teeth for each curvature sort were randomly chosen for canal instrumentation. The extruded debris was collected in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes and calculated. A significant difference was noted between root canals with slight and severe three-dimensional curvatures (P < 0.001). It can be concluded that root canal curvature plays a significant role in the amount of extruded debris.