Abstract: Objective: To compare the aspiration efficacy of intra-canal aspirators with different tip sizes and aspiration powers in 3D printed teeth models of upper first molar, upper first premolar and upper center incisor. Methods: Forty-eight teeth models of upper first molar (three-canals), upper first premolar (two-canals) or upper center incisor (one canal) were printed and randomly divided into 6 groups, respectively, Intra-canal aspirators with tip size 0.5mm, 1.0mm or 1.5mm connecting to high or low power, constituted 6 group (n=8). Aspirators were inserted into canals and pictures obtained using digital camera, insert depths were measured by Image J, accordingly. Radiopaque fluid were injected into teeth models and pre-suction images were scanned using CBCT. Each groups of aspirators were used to suction the canals, 5 seconds each, and the post-suction images were scanned. Volume of residual fluid were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with significance of 0.05. Results: The insert depths were increased significantly with the tip size increased. Particularly, tip size 1.5 mm were obstructed in upper first molar. The volume of residual fluid were increased significantly with the tip size increased. The influences of suction power were not significant. Conclusion: In the 3D printed teeth models, tip size 0.5 mm results in the least residual fluid and the influence of suction power seems not significant.

Key words: intra-canal aspiration, root canal treatment, four-handed care, three-D print