Comparative assessment of quality of obturation and instrumentation time using pediatric hand protaper and pediatric rotary file in primary mandibular molars: an in vivo study

The primary aim of Pediatric Dentistry is to preserve both primary and permanent teeth in a functional state to support the development of the stomatognathic system. Primary teeth are precious as they help in maintaining the arch integrity, nutrition, phonation, aesthetic appearance and guide the permanent teeth in eruption. Dental caries is most common childhood disease occur due to improper oral hygiene practice, increase in carbohydrate intake and other deleterious oral habits. Dental caries can progress to involve the pulp. Early involvement of pulp can lead to pulpal and periapical diseases. The primary cause typically stems from microorganisms residing within the affected tooth. Nonetheless, numerous other influences, including bacterial, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical factors, can also impact pulp health. The dental pulp is composed of a loose network of connective tissue containing small blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels. Cellular elements within the pulp include odontoblasts, fibroblasts, undifferentiated cells, and immune system cells. Like other loose connective tissues, the pulp reacts to environmental changes. However, its distinct features such as the absence of collateral circulation, the presence of dentin-forming odontoblasts, and its encasement in rigid dentin make its inflammatory reaction unlike that of any other organ in the human body.

Adequate treatment of pulp involved deciduous teeth is the prime service a pediatric dentist can avail for the child patient. Pulp therapy for primary teeth, based on diagnosis can be vital pulp therapies which includes use of protective liners, indirect pulp treatment, direct pulp treatment, pulpotomy and non-vital pulp therapy i.e. pulpectomy. Success of pulpectomy depends upon several factors such as biomechanical preparation, irrigation, disinfection, and obturation. Root canal cleaning and shaping involves eliminating microbes and extracting infected pulp chamber contents while maintaining the root canal’s structural integrity. Different file system have been suggested for primary teeth root canal preparation two of which are used in this study.

The primary objective of this study is to assess and compare the significant difference in instrumentation time and obturation quality between exclusive pediatric hand protaper i.e. Kedo-SH and fourth generation pediatric rotary files i.e. Kedo S Square.