Evaluation of dental needle deformation and fractal analysis

Abstract Introduction Needle fracture in dental anesthesia is rare, but its occurrence has serious complications and should be avoided. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the deformation of dental needles after the application of compression forces. Material and method Needles of the Dencojet and Septoject XL brands in the 27G and 30G gauges (4 groups) were folded in two opposite directions in a mechanical test machine DL200 - EMIC, based on ISO 7885: 2010. The compressive strength of the needles was measured at each fold. At the end, visual inspection was performed on an EK3ST magnifying glass in a magnification of 40× for analysis of needle integrity. Result 30G needles did not present significant differences between them. The largest gauges (27G) presented differences in the first (p = 0.0001) and in the second folding (p = 0.0016). Septoject XL 27G needles have been shown to be much less flexible, providing higher values of resistance to folding. Seventh percent of the Septoject XL 30G group fractured near the cannon. All samples from the Septoject XL 27G group showed fractures after the second fold. Conclusion All the gingival needles tested presented acceptable behavior, even when submitted to critical situations. Dencojet 27G needles have been shown to be more flexible when folded. All Septoject XL 27G needles fractured after the second fold. It is not advisable to bend the dental needles.