Impact of Helix and Taper on Structural Characteristics of a Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Instrument Through Finite Element Analysis
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The mechanical behavior of a rotary nickel-titanium endodontic instrument was evaluated through finite element models. Essential geometric features of blank taper and variable pitch were modeled and their impact on the mechanical performance of instruments was investigated. Simulation results showed that better bending flexibility and higher torsional stiffness can both be obtained on an instrument with a large helix configuration. The results also illustrated that the finite element method can be used to compute the critical load or deformation for the instrument which prompts the sustainable use of the instrument in clinical practices.
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