Nickel-titanium (NiTi) engine-driven instruments continue to be the mainstay in performing mechanical debridement and shaping during endodontic treatment. It has revolutionized the root canal preparation technique by decreasing operator fatigue, time, and procedural errors associated with manual instrumentation.[1] Despite the increased flexibility, a major concern related to their use is the possibility of intracanal separation.

Cyclic fatigue resistance of heat-treated NiTi endodontic files reduces at body temperature compared to room temperature, suggests a recent study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry.

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the effect of body temperature (I) on the cyclic fatigue resistance (O) of nickel–titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments (P) to that of room temperature (C). Methods: The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020204286). A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey was conducted in English until December 31, 2021. In vitro studies comparing the cyclic fatigue resistance of NiTi instruments at the body (35°C ± 2°C) and room temperature (20°C–25°C) were included. Eligible studies were evaluated for risk of bias and meta-analyzed to estimate the effects.

Thus, within the limitation of the study, the cyclic fatigue resistance of heat-treated NiTi endodontic files is significantly reduced at body temperature when compared to room temperature. Cyclic fatigue testing should be conducted at simulated body temperature.

Selventhra Savitha, et al. Effect of body temperature on the cyclic fatigue resistance of the nickel"titanium endodontic instruments: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies DOI: 10.4103/jcd.jcd_55_22

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.