New root canal cleaning technique
Root canals are a common procedure. One important aspect of the procedure is cleaning the canal with antibacterial solutions to remove debris. Yet, about half of all root canals are ineffective due insufficient cleaning. The study 'Computational fluid dynamics simulation of the flow around an ultrasonically oscillating instrument' (CFD ULTRASOUND) explored an ultrasonic activation technique. This has been shown to dramatically increase cleaning efficiency. Researchers developed a numerical model of ultrasonically activated irrigation in 2D and 3D. The model was validated against experimental data acquired by high-speed imaging. It was then applied to various parameters, such as the shape and position of the ultrasonic file and the size of the root canal to obtain valuable information about this method and optimise its cleaning efficiency. Project findings could have a significant impact on dental care. Dentists may begin using this technique, and dental schools may incorporate this method into the undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum. Other researchers can use the model to study additional parameters involved in ultrasonic activation of the canal. The impact could also affect companies. Those that produce dental ultrasonic equipment could use the findings to improve their products and clarify the indications and contraindications for their use. As a result, project outcomes could lead to an improvement of the success rate of endodontic treatment.
Keywords
Root canal, root canal cleaning, ultrasonic activation, computational fluid dynamics, ultrasonically oscillating instrument, cleaning efficiency, ultrasonically activated irrigation, dental care, dentists, endodontic treatment
