Apical transportation using Mtwo or Reciproc retreatment systems in severely curved canals: a micro-computed tomographic study

Objective To assess apical root canal transportation using Mtwo or Reciproc during retreatment of severely curved canals, using a multi-analytical approach. Methods Forty mesial canals from mandibular molars (Vertucci type IV) were evaluated before and after endodontic retreatment to compare apical transportation with Mtwo retreatment or Reciproc. The systems were used on the same root but alternating the mesial canals. The analyses were performed by micro-computed tomography. Four evaluations were performed: (a) longitudinal transportation, (b) horizontal transportation, (c) variation in the angle of curvature of the canal, and (d) canal-root width ratio. Horizontal transportation and canal-root width ratio were evaluated in 1-, 3-, and 5-mm levels. Results Longitudinal transportation occurred in all samples, with a mean of 0.13 mm for Mtwo and 0.17 mm for Reciproc. Horizontal transportation increased as distant from the apex was the evaluated level, in mean. However, the transport was not observed in all samples. The mean angle of curvature was 4.16 for Mtwo and 3.03 for Reciproc. Canal-root width decreased as distant from the apex was the evaluated level. No significant differences were observed considering all tested variables, independently of the retreatment system or evaluated level ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Mtwo retreatment and Reciproc presented similar apical transportation (horizontal or vertical). Clinical relevance Both Mtwo retreatment and Reciproc systems could be considered safe regarding apical transportation.