Impact of Reduced Irrigation and Preparation Time on the Shaping Efficiency of the New SAF Infinitum System in Long Oval Root Canals.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of reduced irrigation and preparation time on the shaping efficiency of the new Self-Adjusting File (SAF) Infinitum system in long oval root canals.

METHODS

Thirty-six extracted mandibular canines with long oval canals were anatomically matched using micro-computed tomography analysis and assigned to three experimental groups (n = 12) according to the irrigation protocol: (1) 2.5% NaOCl (4 minutes at 4 mL/min); (2) 2.5% NaOCl + etidronate (4 minutes at 2 mL/min); and (3) 2.5% NaOCl + etidronate (2 minutes at 2 mL/min). Root canals were prepared using a 2.0-mm SAF Infinitum instrument under continuous irrigation. Pre- and postoperative micro-computed tomography scans were used to assess canal volume (mm), surface area (mm), and the percentage of unprepared canal walls. Data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA (α = 5%).

RESULTS

All preparation protocols increased canal volume (26.4%-32.4%) and surface area (5.3%-8.9%), with no significant differences among groups (P > .05). The extent of unprepared canal walls remained comparable across groups, with mean values ranging from 8.7%-14.7% (P > .05). No significant shaping errors were observed, and no instrument fracture occurred during the preparation procedures. Superimposed color-coded surface models confirmed uniform dentin removal around the canal perimeter.

CONCLUSIONS

All tested protocols yielded comparable shaping performance. Reducing SAF preparation from 4 minutes-2 minutes using NaOCl or etidronate mixture did not compromise the preparation of long oval canals, achieving comparable increases in volume and surface area while preserving a similar extent of unprepared canal walls.