PURPOSE: To evaluate the preparation of root canals performed by undergraduate students using manual and automated devices, based on the amount of dentin removed from the canal walls, the time required for preparation, and students' opinions. METHODS: Mesial roots of 20 human mandibular molars extracted for clinical reasons were used in the experiment. Twenty undergraduate students prepared two canals each, one using the manual method and the other using an automated device; following root canal preparation, the students filled out a questionnaire. Time was recorded throughout the procedures. Teeth were scanned with computed tomography before and after preparation. Images were superimposed and measured for the amount and area of dentin removed. RESULTS: There was no difference between the use of manual and automated devices with regard to the amount of material removed. Distal walls presented a greater amount of material removed from the cervical third when compared with middle third in both techniques. There were no statistically significant differences between both techniques with regard to preparation time. CONCLUSION: The automated system represents an adequate alternative option as an auxiliary resource for undergraduate teaching in the preparation of root canals.
Endodontics; instrumentation; root canal therapy; X-ray computed tomography