Comparison of clinical outcomes using a nickel titanium rotary or stainless steel hand file instrumentation technique

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concept that novice clinicians could perform clinical endodontics better and more efficiently if the stainless steel hand file technique is replaced with a nickel titanium rotary file technique. In phase 1 of the study, every endodontic case performed by 2 groups was evaluated for total treatment time. In phase 2, the mesial roots of mandibular molars were evaluated for radiographic quality of completed obturation. The authors found that when the rotary file technique was substituted for the hand file technique, appointment time for case completion was significantly decreased (P<.001) and overall radiographic quality of mandibular molar mesial root obturation was significantly increased (P=.0009). These results support the hypothesis that novice clinicians can perform endodontic therapy more efficiently when using a nickel titanium rotary file technique. In addition, no differences were noted in the incidence of file fracture when using rotary instruments.