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

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 2 canals in the mesial root were randomly allocated into 2 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 5 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 < .05). Preparation 25.03 presented significantly higher values only than 25.08 (P < .05), while 25.04, 25.06, and 25.08 were considered similar (P > .05). Irradiation significantly reduced the biomechanical performance (P < .05). Survival analysis corroborated these findings. There were no differences in the distribution of fracture types among the groups (P > .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.