Evaluation of stress distribution in nickel-titanium rotary instruments with different geometrical designs subjected to bending and torsional load: a finite element study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Geometrical designs of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments have a considerable influence on their mechanical performance, and thereby have the tendency to fracture. Aim To evaluate the effect of cross-sectional geometry, pitch, taper, and off-center cross-section on the stress distribution in NiTi instruments under bending and torsion conditions using finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and methods Eleven theoretical three-dimensional finite element (FE) models of rotary instruments were constructed and divided according to the geometric design tested into; group 1 (cross-section geometry): four FE models with four different cross-section designs (triangle, convex triangular, parallelogram, and rectangle). Group 2 (pitch): three FE models with different pitches (5, 10, and 15 threads). Group 3 (taper): two FEA models with two different tapers (0.04 and 0.06). Group 4 (centering): two FEA models (off-centered and centered cross section). The behavior of the instrument under bending and torsional conditions was analyzed mathematically in SolidWorks software package. Results The pattern of stress distribution was varied by altering cross-sectional geometry, pitch, taper, and off-center cross section. Conclusion No single geometrical design could be beneficial for all stress conditions. To decrease the stress accumulation during bending of rotary files in curved root canals, the rotary NiTi instruments should be designed with rectangle cross-section configuration, low pitch, reduced taper, and with centered cross section. This design improved the flexibility of rotary NiTi instruments. However, to improve the torsional resistance during root canal preparation of narrow canals, the file should be designed with parallelogram cross-sectional configuration, low pitch, increased taper, and eccentric cross-section design.