Abstract
Root Canal Therapy (Endodontic Treatment) is a dental procedure to treat the infected pulp of a tooth. Despite its widespread use, studies reveal bacteria persisting at the root canal’s bottom (apical third), a primary cause of treatment failure. Accessing this region proves challenging due to numerous parameters governing flow characteristics. A comprehensive understanding of how these factors impact flow patterns within the root canal is crucial. While experimental techniques aid in understanding flow patterns, they lack insights into critical characteristics like wall shear stress and turbulent intensity. Computational Fluid Dynamics allows a nuanced understanding of process parameters’ effect on irrigant flow characteristics.
Previous CFD studies focused on oversimplified root canal geometry, yet the human tooth is more complex. This study explores flow characteristics within a realistic and simplified root canal of a canine using a 30G side-vented needle. Flow characteristics examined involved fluid inlet velocity and needle insertion depth. Realistic geometry showed improved flow penetration, significantly lower apical pressures, and reduced shear stress compared to its simplified counterpart. Increased needle depth led to substantially smaller apical pressures, improved flow penetration, altered turbulent intensity patterns, and reduced wall shear stresses compared to the simplified geometry.
