Evaluation of the Effectiveness of MicroMega Remover, ProTaper Universal Retreatment, Reciproc, and Hedstrom Files in the Retreatment of Curved Root Canals Obturated with Different Techniques: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Ethical Approval and Sample Size Calculation
Sample Preparation, Inclusion, and Exclusion Criteria
2.2. Root Canal Preparation and Obturation
2.3. Root Canal Retreatment
2.4. Micro-CT Scanning, Reconstruction and Analysis
2.5. Statistical Analysis
3. Results
4. Discussion
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
Abbreviations
| RC | Root Canal |
| NiTi | Nickel–Titanium |
| 3D | Three-dimensional |
| Micro-CT | Micro-Computed Tomography |
| WL | Working Length |
| NaOCl | Sodium Hypochlorite |
| EDTA | Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid |
| ICC | Intraclass Correlation Test |
| 2D | Two-dimensional |
References
- Toia, C.C.; Khoury, R.D.; Corazza, B.J.M.; Orozco, E.I.F.; Valera, M.C. Effectiveness of 1-Visit and 2-Visit Endodontic Retreatment of Teeth with Persistent/Secondary Endodontic Infection: A Randomized Clinical Trial with 18 Months of Follow-up. J. Endod. 2022, 48, 4–14. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Song, M.; Kim, H.C.; Lee, W.; Kim, E. Analysis of the cause of failure in nonsurgical endodontic treatment by microscopic inspection during endodontic microsurgery. J. Endod. 2011, 37, 1516–1519. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Tabassum, S.; Khan, F.R. Failure of endodontic treatment: The usual suspects. Eur. J. Dent. 2016, 10, 144–147. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Marques da Silva, B.; Baratto-Filho, F.; Leonardi, D.; Henrique Borges, A.; Volpato, L.; Branco Barletta, F. Effectiveness of ProTaper, D-RaCe, and Mtwo retreatment files with and without supplementary instruments in the removal of root canal filling material. Int. Endod. J. 2012, 45, 927–932. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Alves, F.R.; Ribeiro, T.O.; Moreno, J.O.; Lopes, H.P. Comparison of the efficacy of nickel-titanium rotary systems with or without the retreatment instruments in the removal of gutta-percha in the apical third. BMC Oral Health 2014, 14, 102. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Rödig, T.; Reicherts, P.; Konietschke, F.; Dullin, C.; Hahn, W.; Hülsmann, M. Efficacy of reciprocating and rotary NiTi instruments for retreatment of curved root canals assessed by micro-CT. Int. Endod. J. 2014, 47, 942–948. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Nevares, G.; de Albuquerque, D.S.; Freire, L.G.; Romeiro, K.; Fogel, H.M.; Dos Santos, M.; Cunha, R.S. Efficacy of ProTaper Next compared with Reciproc in removing obturation material from severely curved root canals: A micro-computed tomography study. J. Endod. 2016, 42, 803–808. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Hülsmann, M.; Stotz, S. Efficacy, cleaning ability and safety of different devices for gutta-percha removal in root canal retreatment. Int. Endod. J. 1997, 30, 227–233. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Aguiar, C.M.; Lima, G.D.C.; Bernart, F.D.; Câmara, A.C. Effectiveness of the ProTaper Universal Retreatment™ System and the manual technique in endodontic retreatment. Acta Stomatol. Croat. 2011, 45, 239–246. [Google Scholar]
- Rödig, T.; Hausdörfer, T.; Konietschke, F.; Dullin, C.; Hahn, W.; Hülsmann, M. Efficacy of D-RaCe and ProTaper Universal Retreatment NiTi instruments and hand files in removing gutta-percha from curved root canals–a micro-computed tomography study. Int. Endod. J. 2012, 45, 580–589. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ozyurek, T.; Ozsezer-Demiryurek, E. Efficacy of ProTaper Next and ProTaper Universal retreatment systems in removing gutta-percha in curved root canals during root canal retreatment. J. Istanb. Univ. Fac. Dent. 2017, 51, 7–13. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Metzger, Z.; Ben-Amar, A. Removal of overextended gutta-percha root canal fillings in endodontic failure cases. J. Endod. 1995, 21, 287–288. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Ersev, H.; Yılmaz, B.; Dinçol, M.; Dağlaroğlu, R. The efficacy of ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment instrumentation to remove single gutta-percha cones cemented with several endodontic sealers. Int. Endod. J. 2012, 45, 756–762. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Serefoglu, B.; Kandemir Demirci, G.; Micoogullari Kurt, S.; Kasikci Bilgi, I.; Caliskan, M.K. Impact of root canal curvature and instrument type on the amount of extruded debris during retreatment. Restor. Dent. Endod. 2021, 46, e5. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Bago, I.; Plotino, G.; Katic, M.; Rocan, M.; Batinic, M.; Anic, I. Evaluation of filling material remnants after basic preparation, apical enlargement and final irrigation in retreatment of severely curved root canals in extracted teeth. Int. Endod. J. 2020, 53, 962–973. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Özkan, H.B.; Sürme, K.; Akman, H.; Er, K. Comparison of cyclic fatigue resistance between heat-treated and conventional retreatment files. Rev. Port. Estomatol. Med. Dent. Cir. Maxilofac. 2023, 64, 112–117. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Coltene: MicroMega Remover. Available online: https://media.coltene.com/EN/GB/media/DOC_FLY_60301861-A-06-20-EN-MicroMega-REMOVER-A4_IND.pdf?sprache=EN (accessed on 3 October 2025).
- Kırıcı, D.; Demirbuga, S.; Karatas, E. Micro-computed tomographic assessment of the residual filling volume, apical transportation, and crack formation after retreatment with Reciproc and Reciproc Blue systems in curved root canals. J. Endod. 2020, 46, 238–243. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Liang, A.; Huang, L.; Li, B.; Huang, Y.; Zhou, X.; Zhang, X.; Gong, Q. Micro-CT evaluation of different root canal irrigation protocols on the removal of accumulated hard tissue debris: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 6053. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Adel, M.; Tofangchiha, M.; Rashvand, E.; Moutabha, I.; Roohi, N.; Reda, R.; Testarelli, L. Comparison of the efficacy of NeoNiTi, ProTaper, and Reciproc files in the retreatment of curved root canals: A CBCT assessment. Acta Stomatol. Croat. 2022, 56, 351–362. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Bernardes, R.A.; Duarte, M.A.H.; Vivan, R.R.; Alcalde, M.P.; Vasconcelos, B.C.; Bramante, C.M. Comparison of three retreatment techniques with ultrasonic activation in flattened canals using micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy. Int. Endod. J. 2016, 49, 890–897. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Pop, I.; Manoharan, A.; Zanini, F.; Tromba, G.; Patel, S.; Foschi, F. Synchrotron light-based μCT to analyse the presence of dentinal microcracks post-rotary and reciprocating NiTi instrumentation. Clin. Oral Investig. 2015, 19, 11–16. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Orhan, E.; Orhan, K.; Ocak, M.; Gunes, B. Comparing the root canal filling removal efficiency of XP-endo retreatment system with hand Files, R-endo, reciproc and protaper universal retreatment systems in curved root canals: A micro-CT study. BMC Oral Health 2025, 25, 544. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Schneider, S.W. A comparison of canal preparations in straight and curved root canals. Oral Surg. Oral Med. Oral Pathol. 1971, 32, 271–275. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Vertucci, F.J. Root canal anatomy of the human permanent teeth. Oral Surg. Oral Med. Oral Pathol. 1984, 58, 589–599. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Odabaşı Tezer, E.; Kırmızı, D.; Abduljalil, M.; Basmacı, F.; Buyuksungur, A.; Dartar Öztan, M. Comparative retreatment efficacy of two Multi-file systems with different Access cavity designs: A Micro-computed Tomography Study. Medicina 2024, 60, 1980. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Koo, T.K.; Li, M.Y. A guideline of selecting and reporting intraclass correlation coefficients for reliability research. J. Chiropr. Med. 2016, 15, 155–163. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Schirrmeister, J.F.; Wrbas, K.T.; Schneider, F.H.; Altenburger, M.J.; Hellwig, E. Effectiveness of a hand file and three nickel-titanium rotary instruments for removing gutta-percha in curved root canals during retreatment. Oral Surg. Oral Med. Oral Pathol. Oral Radiol. Endod. 2006, 101, 542–547. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Alves, F.R.F.; Marceliano-Alves, M.F.; Sousa, J.C.N.; Silveira, S.B.; Provenzano, J.C.; Siqueira, J.F., Jr. Removal of root canal fillings in curved canals using either reciprocating single- or rotary multi-instrument systems and a supplementary step with the XP-Endo Finisher. J. Endod. 2016, 42, 1114–1119. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- de Pablo, O.V.; Estevez, R.; Peix Sanchez, M.; Heilborn, C.; Cohenca, N. Root anatomy and canal configuration of the permanent mandibular first molar: A systematic review. J. Endod. 2010, 36, 1919–1931. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kartal, N.; Cimilli, H.K. The degrees and configurations of mesial canal curvatures of mandibular first molars. J. Endod. 1997, 23, 358–362. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Fracassi, L.D.; Ferraz, E.G.; Albergaria, S.J.; Veeck, E.B.; da Costa, N.P.; Sarmento, V.A. Evaluation of the quality of different endodontic obturation techniques by digital radiography. Clin. Oral Investig. 2013, 17, 97–103. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Santos-Junior, A.O.; Tanomaru-Filho, M.; Pinto, J.C.; Tavares, K.; Torres, F.F.E.; Guerreiro-Tanomaru, J.M. Effect of obturation technique using a new bioceramic sealer on the presence of voids in flattened root canals. Braz. Oral Res. 2021, 35, e028. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Romeiro, K.; de Almeida, A.; Cassimiro, M.; Gominho, L.; Dantas, E.; Chagas, N.; Velozo, C.; Freire, L.; Albuquerque, D. Reciproc and Reciproc Blue in the removal of bioceramic and resin-based sealers in retreatment procedures. Clin. Oral Investig. 2020, 24, 405–416. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Çelik Ünal, G.; Üreyen Kaya, B.; Taç, A.; Keçeci, A. A comparison of the efficacy of conventional and new retreatment instruments to remove gutta-percha in curved root canals: An ex vivo study. Int. Endod. J. 2009, 42, 344–350. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Zuolo, A.S.; Mello, J.E., Jr.; Cunha, R.S.; Zuolo, M.L.; Bueno, C.E. Efficacy of reciprocating and rotary techniques for removing filling material during root canal retreatment. Int. Endod. J. 2013, 46, 947–953. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- de Oliveira, D.P.; Barbizam, J.V.B.; Trope, M.; Teixeira, F.B. Comparison between gutta-percha and resilon removal using two different techniques in endodontic retreatment. J. Endod. 2006, 32, 362–364. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- da Silva Arruda, E.; Sponchiado-Júnior, E.C.; Pandolfo, M.T.; de Carvalho Fredson, M.A.; Garcia, L.d.F.R.; Marques, A.A.F. Apical transportation and centering ability after root canal filling removal using reciprocating and continuous rotary systems: A CBCT study. Eur. J. Dent. 2019, 13, 613–618. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Fischer, B.V.; Goulart, T.S.; Vitali, F.C.; de Souza, D.L.; da Silveira Teixeira, C.; Garcia, L.d.F.R. Supplementary methods for filling material removal: A systematic review and meta-analysis of micro-CT imaging studies. J. Dent. 2024, 151, 105445. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Faus-Matoses, V.; Pasarín-Linares, C.; Faus-Matoses, I.; Foschi, F.; Sauro, S.; Faus-Llácer, V.J. Comparison of obturation removal efficiency from straight root canals with protaper gold or reciproc blue: A micro-computed tomography study. J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9, 1164. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Bhagavaldas, M.C.; Diwan, A.; Kusumvalli, S.; Pasha, S.; Devale, M.; Chava, D.C. Efficacy of two rotary retreatment systems in removing gutta-percha and sealer during endodontic retreatment with or without solvent: A comparative in vitro study. J. Conserv. Dent. Endod. 2017, 20, 12–16. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Latheef, A.A.; Miglani, R.; Indira, R.; Kader, M.A.; Nasim, V.S.; Shamsuddin, S.V. Effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation on the cleanliness of dentinal tubules in non-surgical endodontic retreatment with and without solvent: A scanning electron microscope study. J. Int. Oral Health 2016, 8, 753–759. [Google Scholar]
- Ma, J.; Al-Ashaw, A.J.; Shen, Y.; Gao, Y.; Yang, Y.; Zhang, C.; Haapasalo, M. Efficacy of ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment system for gutta-percha removal from oval root canals: A micro-computed tomography study. J. Endod. 2012, 38, 1516–1520. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Rossi-Fedele, G.; Ahmed, H.M. Assessment of Root Canal Filling Removal Effectiveness Using Micro-computed Tomography: A Systematic Review. J. Endod. 2017, 43, 520–526. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Wu, M.K.; Fan, B.; Wesselink, P.R. Leakage along apical root fillings in curved root canals. Part I: Effects of apical transportation on seal of root fillings. J. Endod. 2000, 26, 210–216. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Romeo, V.R.; La Rosa, G.R.M.; Generali, L.; Pedullà, E.; Angerame, D. Influence of different kinematics on shaping ability and accumulated hard tissue debris: An ex vivo study. Odontology 2025, 113, 973–983. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Razcha, C.; Zacharopoulos, A.; Anestis, D.; Mikrogeorgis, G.; Zacharakis, G.; Lyroudia, K. Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of canal transportation and centering ability of 4 heat-treated nickel-titanium systems. J. Endod. 2020, 46, 675–681. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Puleio, F.; Bellezza, U.; Torre, A.; Giordano, F.; Lo Giudice, G. Apical transportation of apical foramen by different NiTi alloy systems: A systematic review. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 10555. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Junaid, A.; Freire, L.G.; da Silveira Bueno, C.E.; Mello, I.; Cunha, R.S. Influence of single-file endodontics on apical transportation in curved root canals: An ex vivo micro–computed tomographic study. J. Endod. 2014, 40, 717–720. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Eyuboglu, T.F.; Olcay, K.; Özcan, M. A clinical study on single-visit root canal retreatments on consecutive 173 patients: Frequency of periapical complications and clinical success rate. Clin. Oral Investig. 2017, 21, 1761–1768. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]




| Group | Mean ± SD (s) | Median (s) | Minimum (s) | Maximum (s) | p Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 (SC–H file + GG) | 508.00 ± 146.67 | 570.00 | 241.00 | 663.00 | p < 0.001 * |
| A2 (SC–PTUR) | 327.43 ± 88.32 | 322.00 | 191.00 | 465.00 | |
| A3 (SC–Rec) | 352.29 ± 52.26 | 354.00 | 295.00 | 444.00 | |
| A4 (SC–MM Remover) | 254.43 ± 57.07 | 235.00 | 185.00 | 317.00 | |
| B1 (CWC–H-file + GG) | 708.29 ± 69.01 | 725.00 | 597.00 | 792.00 | |
| B2 (CWC–PTUR) | 300.00 ± 98.43 | 265.00 | 176.00 | 438.00 | |
| B3 (CWC–Rec) | 461.00 ± 171.45 | 510.00 | 265.00 | 695.00 | |
| B4 (CWC–MM Remover) | 299.43 ± 34.90 | 298.00 | 268.00 | 370.00 |
| Group | Mean ± SD (%) | Median (%) | Minimum (%) | Maximum (%) | p Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 (SC–H file + GG) | 15.05 ± 15.23 | 11.83 | 0.00 | 41.69 | p = 0.339 * |
| A2 (SC–PTUR) | 11.17 ± 10.82 | 6.48 | 0.78 | 26.79 | |
| A3 (SC–Rec) | 14.80 ± 10.39 | 13.54 | 2.19 | 34.45 | |
| A4 (SC–MM Remover) | 7.81 ± 7.48 | 3.78 | 1.45 | 22.18 | |
| B1 (CWC–H file + GG) | 24.86 ± 14.34 | 22.77 | 3.03 | 48.50 | |
| B2 (CWC–PTUR) | 12.09 ± 9.89 | 15.57 | 0.49 | 22.67 | |
| B3 (CWC–Rec) | 16.63 ± 13.82 | 11.28 | 1.87 | 41.82 | |
| B4 (CWC–MM Remover) | 9.88 ± 7.35 | 10.04 | 1.11 | 24.55 |
| Group | Mean ± SD | Median | Minimum | Maximum | p Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 (SC–H file + GG) | −17.14 ± 166.30 | −80.00 | −240.00 | 200.00 | p = 0.073 * |
| A2 (SC–PTUR) | −34.29 ± 114.14 | −40.00 | −160.00 | 80.00 | |
| A3 (SC–Rec) | −17.14 ± 134.38 | 0.00 | −200.00 | 160.00 | |
| A4 (SC–MM Remover) | 62.86 ± 145.80 | 40.00 | −120.00 | 280.00 | |
| B1 (CWC–H file + GG) | 34.29 ± 111.78 | 40.00 | −120.00 | 200.00 | |
| B2 (CWC–PTUR) | 154.29 ± 201.90 | 80.00 | 0.00 | 480.00 | |
| B3 (CWC–Rec) | −108.57 ± 111.87 | −100.00 | −280.00 | 40.00 | |
| B4 (CWC–MM Remover) | 71.43 ± 181.79 | 100.00 | −280.00 | 240.00 |
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. |
© 2026 by the authors. Published by MDPI on behalf of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.
Share and Cite
Dursun, P.H.; Sevimay, F.S.; Buyuksungur, A.; Celikten, B. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of MicroMega Remover, ProTaper Universal Retreatment, Reciproc, and Hedstrom Files in the Retreatment of Curved Root Canals Obturated with Different Techniques: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study. Medicina 2026, 62, 188. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010188
Dursun PH, Sevimay FS, Buyuksungur A, Celikten B. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of MicroMega Remover, ProTaper Universal Retreatment, Reciproc, and Hedstrom Files in the Retreatment of Curved Root Canals Obturated with Different Techniques: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study. Medicina. 2026; 62(1):188. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010188
Chicago/Turabian StyleDursun, Pınar Hava, Fatma Semra Sevimay, Arda Buyuksungur, and Berkan Celikten. 2026. "Evaluation of the Effectiveness of MicroMega Remover, ProTaper Universal Retreatment, Reciproc, and Hedstrom Files in the Retreatment of Curved Root Canals Obturated with Different Techniques: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study" Medicina 62, no. 1: 188. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010188
APA StyleDursun, P. H., Sevimay, F. S., Buyuksungur, A., & Celikten, B. (2026). Evaluation of the Effectiveness of MicroMega Remover, ProTaper Universal Retreatment, Reciproc, and Hedstrom Files in the Retreatment of Curved Root Canals Obturated with Different Techniques: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study. Medicina, 62(1), 188. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010188

