Two typologies of endodontic instrument handle are here investigated for tactility modifications.

AIM: The purpose of this comparative study was to evaluate possible modifications of tactility (deep and discriminative tactile sensitivity) using manual endodontic instruments equipped with traditional handles compared with innovative silicone handle versions. METHODS: Sixteen subjects were selected and supplied with resin Endo-Training-Block simulators, latex gloves and manual endodontic instruments with diameters ranging from 10 to 40 mm. All instruments had traditional and silicon handles. The investigation of deep and discriminative tactile sensitivity was performed at 0, 15, 30, and 45 minutes of the manual instrumentation with an esthesiometer. We obtain each of our data from the median of three consecutive measurements. The results were then statistically analyzed thanks to the ANOVA test: P=0.003 for subjects, P<0.001 for time factor, and P=0.010 for sensitivity-time interaction. RESULTS: We observed a better tactility with silicone handle instruments, comparing the two kinds of handle (regardless of the finger tested) as well as singly analyzing the thumb and index finger. CONCLUSION: Despite the sample limited extension, the loss of deep cutaneous and discrimination sensitivity seems to be reduced using silicone handles, most likely favoring an improvement of the working performance.