Torsional Resistance of ProGlider,Hyflex EDM,and One G Glide Path Instruments

IntroductionThe present study aimed to compare the torsional resistance of ProGlider (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Hyflex EDM (Coltene-Whaledent, Altstätten, Switzerland), and One G (Micro-Mega, Besancon, France) glide path instruments.MethodsFifteen ProGlider (16.02∼08), 15 Hyflex EDM (10.05), and 15 One G (14.03) instruments were collected and tested for torsional strength using a custom-designed testing device. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc tests with 5% significance level. The tested specimens were examined under a scanning electron microscope.ResultsThere was no significant difference between Hyflex EDM and ProGlider regarding their torsional resistance values (P > .05). One G showed the lowest torsional resistance (P < .05). Hyflex EDM exhibited the highest angle of rotation values among the instruments (P < .05).ConclusionsHyflex EDM and ProGlider instruments had significantly higher torsional fatigue resistance than One G instruments, whereas Hyflex EDM showed the highest angle of rotation values. The differences in the torsional resistances might be associated with their different design features and manufacturing processes.     

Comparison of the Torsional Resistance of 4 Different Glide Path Instruments

IntroductionThe present study aimed to compare the torsional strength of the initial files of the Mtwo (VDW, Munich, Germany) and novel Rotate systems (VDW, Munich, Germany) with the ProGlider (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and R-Pilot (VDW) glide path instruments.MethodsThe Mtwo (10/.04), ProGlider (16/.02), R-Pilot (12.5/.04), and Rotate (15/.04) glide path files were compared regarding their torsional strength, which was tested using a specially designed test device (N = 20). The data obtained were statistically analyzed at 5% significance level using 1-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey test. The fragment surfaces and separated instruments were examined with ×50, ×100, and ×1000 magnification under a scanning electron microscope.ResultsThe R-Pilot group showed the highest torsional strength value among all groups (P < .05), whereas there was no significant difference between the torsional strength values of the Mtwo and ProGlider groups (P > .05). The Rotate group had the lowest torsional strength among all groups (P < .05). The Mtwo group showed the lowest angle of rotation among all groups (P < .05).ConclusionsAlthough the R-Pilot glide path file exhibited the highest torsional strength in all groups, Rotate showed the highest angle of rotation. Differences in torsional resistance of the instruments may be associated with their manufacturing methods and design features.     

Effect of Torsional Loading of Nickel-Titanium Instruments on Cyclic Fatigue Resistance

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of torsional preload on the cyclic fatigue life of nickel-titanium rotary instruments.

Methods

ProFile (#25/0.06) (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and ProTaper (F1; Dentsply Maillefer) were used. Each file was preloaded at 4 conditions (ie, no preloading and 25%, 50%, and 75% of mean ultimate torsional strength) of torsional prestress before the fatigue test. The torsional preloads were applied by securing 5 mm of the file tip while keeping the file straight, rotating it clockwise until the preset torque, and then returning to the original position. This motion was repeated until a preset number (10, 30, or 50) of repetitions were reached (n = 12). After torsional preloading, the number of cycles to failure was evaluated in a simulated canal. Data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance and the Duncan post hoc comparison. The fractured fragment surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope for the topographic features of fractured instruments.

Results

For both instruments, there was a significant effect because of the extent of torsional preloads. The 50% and 75% torsionally preloaded ProFile and all ProTaper preloading groups had a higher number of cycles to failure than the other group(s). There was little difference in the lateral view appearance between new and torsionally preloaded files. After cyclic fatigue testing, all preloaded instruments showed numerous microcracks adjacent to the fracture site on lateral view examination. The microcracks did not seem to follow the machining grooves on the instrument surface but rather ran irregularly.

Conclusions

The torsional preloads within the superelastic limit of the material may improve the cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel-titanium rotary instruments.     

Buckling Resistance of Various Nickel-Titanium Glide Path Preparation Instruments in Dynamic or Static Mode

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare the buckling resistance of nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments for glide path preparation depending on the test mode (static vs dynamic).MethodsThe conventional PathFile (PF; Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and heat-treated ProGlider (PG, Dentsply Sirona) and WaveOne Gold Glider (WG, Dentsply Sirona) were evaluated. The instrument tips were placed in a small dimple prepared in an aluminum cube in a customized device. The file was then pushed in the axial direction at a 1.0-mm/s crosshead speed with rotation (dynamic mode) or without rotation (static mode). The dynamic mode of WG used its dedicated reciprocating rotation, whereas the others were rotated continuously at 300 rpm. The axial load and lateral buckling displacement were simultaneously measured. Data were analyzed statistically using 2-way analysis of variance (P = .05).ResultsThe buckling resistance in the dynamic mode was higher than in the static mode for PG and WG (P < .05), whereas PF was not influenced by test modes (P > .05). In the dynamic mode, the PG required the highest buckling load followed by PF and WG (P < .05). In the static mode, the WG showed the lowest load (P < .05). The dynamic mode showed significantly more upper level lateral buckling displacement than in the static mode (P < .05).ConclusionsWhen the glide path preparation instruments moved in the dynamic mode as in clinical situations, the buckling resistance of the heat-treated NiTi glide path instruments was higher than in the static condition. The heat-treated instruments may have better buckling resistance than the conventional NiTi instrument in clinical situations.     

Energy Consumption of ProTaper Next X1 after Glide Path with PathFiles and ProGlider

Introduction

Instrument failure caused by excessive torsional stress can be controlled by creating a manual or mechanical glide path. The ProGlider single-file system (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) was recently introduced to perform a mechanical glide path. This study was designed to compare the effect of a glide path performed with PathFiles (Dentsply Maillefer) and ProGlider on torque, time, and pecking motion required for ProTaper Next X1 (Dentsply Maillefer) to reach the full working length in simulated root canals.

Methods

Forty Endo Training Blocks (Dentsply Maillefer) were used. Twenty were prepared with a mechanical glide path using PathFiles 1 and 2 (the PathFile group), and 20 were prepared with a mechanical glide path using a ProGlider single file (the ProGlider group). All samples were shaped with ProTaper Next X1 driven by an endodontic motor connected to a digital wattmeter. The required torque for root canal instrumentation was analyzed by evaluating the electrical power consumption of the endodontic engine. Electric power consumption (mW/h), elapsed time (seconds), and number of pecking motions required to reach the full working length with ProTaper Next X1 were calculated. Differences among groups were analyzed with the parametric Student t test for independent data (P < .05).

Results

Elapsed time and electric power consumption were significantly different between groups (P = .0001 for both). ProGlider appears to perform more efficiently than PathFiles in decreasing electric power consumption of ProTaper Next X1 to reach the full working length.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the ability of ProGlider to reduce stress in ProTaper Next X1 during shaping through a glide path and preliminary middle and coronal preflaring.     

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Novel Glide Path Instruments with Different Alloy Properties and Kinematics

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cyclic fatigue resistance of the WaveOne Gold Glider (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), R-Pilot (VDW, Munich, Germany), and ProGlider (Dentsply Maillefer) glide path instruments.

Torsional,Static, and Dynamic Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Reciprocating and Continuous Rotating Nickel-Titanium Instruments

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate torsional, dynamic, and static cyclic fatigue resistance of the reciprocating One RECI (OR; Micromega, Besançon, France), WaveOne Gold (WOG; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), rotary One Curve (OC, MicroMega), and ProTaper Next X2 (PTN X2; Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC) instruments.MethodsA total of 120 OR (n = 30), WOG (n = 30), OC (n = 30), and PTN X2 (n = 30) nickel-titanium instruments were used. Torque and rotation angle until failure under static torsion loading were measured according to ISO 3630-1. Static and dynamic fatigue resistance was measured as the time to fracture in an artificial stainless steel canal with a 60° angle and 5-mm radius of curvature at intracanal temperature. The results were analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey test. The alpha-type error was set at 5%. Fracture instruments from torsion and fatigue tests were examined with a scanning electron microscope.ResultsOR showed higher static fatigue resistance and rotation angle at fracture than WOG, OC, and PTN X2 (P < .05). WOG exhibited higher torsional resistance than the others (P < .05). The cyclic fatigue tests in dynamic mode had higher TTF than static for the PTN X2 and WOG groups (P < .05). In the dynamic tests, OR and WOG showed higher TTF than OC and PTN X2 (P < .05).ConclusionsUnder these experimental conditions, One RECI exhibited suitable mechanical properties with the highest cyclic fatigue resistance and angle of rotation among the tested instruments.     

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Rotary and Reciprocating Nickel-Titanium Instruments Subjected to Static and Dynamic Tests

IntroductionThis study compared the static and dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance of contemporary nickel-titanium instruments with different kinematic, metallurgic, and design features to establish whether the fatigue-reducing effect of the pecking motion differs among different nickel-titanium instruments.MethodsProTaper Gold (PTG), Hyflex EDM (EDM), Reciproc Blue (RPB), and WaveOne Gold (WOG) files were divided into 2 groups of 10 for the static and dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance tests. A stainless steel artificial canal with 1.5-mm inner diameter, 60° angulation, and 3-mm radius of curvature was used. In the dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance test, speeds were set at 100 and 200 mm/min for the descending and ascending motion, respectively. The number of cycles to fracture (NCF) was calculated, the fractured lengths were recorded, and fractographic analysis of the fractured surfaces was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed statistically with the Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni correction (alpha = 0.05).ResultsThe RPB and EDM showed significantly higher NCF in the static and dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance tests (P < .05). The dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance test showed significantly higher NCF than the static cyclic fatigue resistance test in the PTG and EDM (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the RPB and WOG (P > .05).ConclusionsIn the experimental condition where the ascending speed was higher than the descending speed, the dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance was significantly higher than the static cyclic fatigue resistance in continuous rotary instruments, but not in reciprocating instruments.     

Effect of Glide Path Creating on Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Reciproc and Reciproc Blue Nickel-titanium Files: A Laboratory Study

Introduction

The purpose of this article was to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of Reciproc and Reciproc Blue files (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) that were used to prepare root canals of mandibular molar teeth with or without a glide path.

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Nickel-Titanium Reciprocating Instruments after Simulated Clinical Use

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the cyclic fatigue resistance of different heat-treated nickel-titanium reciprocating instruments in 2 different situations: new and used instruments after preparing 3 curved canals.MethodsA total sample of 60 nickel-titanium instruments of 3 systems (n = 20 per system) were used in this study: ProDesign R (tip 25, 0.06 taper; Easy Dental Equipment, Belo Horizonte, Brazil), Reciproc Blue (tip 25, 0.08v taper; VDW, Munich, Germany), and WaveOne Gold (tip 25, 0.07v taper; Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland). Thirty new instruments (n = 10 per system) were used to prepare 90 curved single-rooted mandibular premolars (n = 30). Each instrument was used to prepare 3 root canals, and after each canal preparation the instrument was ultrasonic cleaned and submitted to autoclave sterilization procedures. The other 30 instruments (n = 10 per system) were kept without use. Then, the new and used instruments were subjected to the cyclic fatigue test in an artificial canal with a 30° angle and a 5-mm radius of curvature. The time and number of cycles to fatigue were recorded. Data were analyzed using the unpaired t test for intragroup comparison. For intergroup comparison, analysis of variance and the Tukey test for multiple comparisons were used.ResultsThe intergroup comparison of new instruments showed that ProDesign R had the highest cyclic fatigue resistance followed by Reciproc Blue and WaveOne Gold (P < .05). Regarding the used instruments, WaveOne Gold had the lowest cyclic fatigue resistance (P < .05). The intragroup comparison between new and used instruments showed that WaveOne Gold and ProDesign R presented a significant reduction in the cyclic fatigue resistance after simulated clinical use (P < .05); no difference was found with the Reciproc Blue instruments (P > .05).ConclusionsProDesign R had the highest cyclic fatigue resistance, whereas WaveOne Gold had the lowest for new and used instruments. Simulated clinical use affected the cyclic fatigue resistance of ProDesign R and WaveOne Gold but not of Reciproc Blue instruments.     

Influence of Kinematics on the Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Replicalike and Original Brand Rotary Instruments

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the cyclic fatigue resistance of 3 replicalike rotary instruments compared with their original brand systems using continuous rotation and optimum torque reverse (OTR) kinematics.MethodsNew F1 rotary instruments (n = 20 per group) from ProTaper Universal (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Maillefer) original brand systems were compared with 3 replicalike instruments (U-File [Dentmark, Ludhiana, India], Super Files [Shenzhen Flydent Medical, Shenzhen, China], and Super Files Blue [Shenzhen Flydent Medical]) regarding cyclic fatigue resistance. In each group, the selected instruments were randomly distributed into 2 subgroups (n = 10) according to the kinematics. In the rotary group (ROT), the instruments were activated with a continuous clockwise rotation (300 rpm, 1.5 Ncm), whereas in the OTR group, asymmetric oscillatory motion was performed setting the OTR function at 300 rpm and adjusting the torque limit at the minimum level using the TriAuto ZX2 motor (J Morita, Kyoto, Japan). The time to fracture was recorded and statistically compared according to the kinematics (ROT × OTR) and the instrument type (replicalike × original brand) using the independent sample t test (α = 0.05). Additionally, the metal alloy characterization of each system was performed by differential scanning calorimetry and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed significantly higher time to fracture for all rotary systems tested in OTR motion compared with continuous rotation (P < .05) with a mean percentage increase ranging from 52.1% (ProTaper Gold) to 156.7% (U-File). The replicalike instruments showed a significantly higher time to fracture compared with the respective original brand instruments in either ROT or OTR motion (P < .05). Replicas presented austenitic temperatures above the ones displayed by the original brands and an almost equiatomic ratio between nickel and titanium elements.ConclusionsOTR motion significantly improved the fatigue resistance of both original and replicalike systems. The replicas showed higher cyclic fatigue resistance than original brand instruments and higher transition temperatures to the austenitic phase.     

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of XP-Endo Shaper,K3XF,and ProTaper Gold Nickel-titanium Instruments

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of the ProTaper Gold (PTG; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), K3XF (SybronEndo, Orange, CA), and XP-endo Shaper (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fond, Switzerland) nickel-titanium rotary instruments at intracanal temperatures.

Cyclic and Torsional Fatigue Resistance of XP-endo Shaper and TRUShape Instruments

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of the XP-endo Shaper (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) and TRUShape (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK) instruments.

Evaluation of the Resistance to Cyclic Fatigue among ProTaper Next,ProTaper Universal,and Vortex Blue Rotary Instruments

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture resistance to cyclic fatigue of ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK), ProTaper Universal (PTU, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties), and Vortex Blue (VB, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties) rotary instruments.

Methods

Twenty instruments each of PTN X1–X5, PTU S1–F5, and VB 20/04–50/04 were rotated until fracture in a simulated canal of 90° and a 5-mm radius using a custom-made testing platform. The number of cycles to fracture (NCF) was calculated. Weibull analysis was used to predict the maximum number of cycles when 99% of the instrument samples survive.

Results

VB 20/04–30/04 had significantly higher NCF than PTU S1–F5 and PTN X1–X5. VB 35/04–45/04 had significantly higher NCF than PTU S2–F5 and PTN X2–X5. PTN X1 had higher NCF than PTU S1–F5. PTN X2 had higher NCF than PTU F2–F5. The Weibull distribution predicted the highest number of cycles at which 99% of instruments survive to be 766 cycles for VB 25/04 and the lowest to be 50 cycles for PTU F2.

Conclusions

Under the limitations of this study, VB 20/04–45/04 were more resistant to cyclic fatigue than PTN X2–X5 and PTU S2–F5. PTN X1 and X2 were more resistant to cyclic fatigue than PTU F2–F5. The Weibull distribution appears to be a feasible and potentially clinically relevant model to predict resistance to cyclic fatigue.     

Comparison of Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Nickel-Titanium Coronal Flaring Instruments

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of coronal flaring instruments.MethodsThree groups of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic coronal flaring instruments were tested in steel canals with a 3-mm curvature radius and 60° (n = 18) and 45° of curvature (n = 18). The cyclic fatigue of the following NiTi instruments was tested: ProTaper Sx (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), HyFlex 25.08 (Coltene-Whaledent, Allstetten, Switzerland), and Revo-S SC1 (Micro-Mega, Besancon, France). The length and diameter of the fractured fragment and the total area of the fractured surface of each instrument were measured. The data were then statistically analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey test (α = .05).ResultsAt the 60° of curvature, Revo-S had the highest fatigue resistance, HyFlex had the second highest fatigue resistance, and ProTaper Universal had the least fatigue resistance. At the 45° of curvature, the Revo-S and HyFlex showed superior cyclic fatigue resistance compared with the ProTaper. The length of the fracture fragment of the ProTaper instrument was longer than that of the other groups at the 60° of curvature. At the 45° of curvature, the length of the fracture fragment of the ProTaper and HyFlex instruments was longer than that of Revo-S. The mean diameter and surface area of the HyFlex instruments in the fractured part was higher than that of other groups at both angles of curvature.ConclusionsThe Revo-S SC1 and HyFlex 25.08 instruments showed better cyclic fatigue resistance than the ProTaper Sx instrument.     

Correlation between Experimental Cyclic Fatigue Resistance and Numerical Stress Analysis for Nickel-Titanium Rotary Files

Introduction

The aim of this investigation was to study cyclic fatigue resistance of various nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files under various root canal curvatures by correlating cyclic fatigue fracture tests with finite-element analysis (FEA).

Methods

Four NiTi rotary instruments with different cross-sectional geometries but comparable sizes were selected for this study: ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), ProFile (Dentsply Maillefer), HeroShaper (Micromega, Besançon, France), and Mtwo (VDW, Munich, Germany). The ProFile and HeroShaper files were of size 30/.06 taper, the Mtwo was of size 30/.05 taper, and the ProTaper was F3. The cyclic fatigue test was conducted in a custom-made device that simulated canals with 25°, 35°, and 45° curvature. For the FEA, the file models were meshed, and 17-mm long curved canals were modeled to have same curvatures as the cyclic fatigue tests. Numerical analysis was performed to determine the stress distributions in the NiTi instruments while they rotated in the simulated curved canals.

Results

ProTaper (the stiffest instrument) showed the least cyclic fatigue resistance and highest stress concentration for all tested curvatures, whereas Mtwo showed the best cyclic fatigue resistance. A comparison between the FEA and fatigue results showed that when stresses increased, the number of instrument rotations to fracture decreased. Maximum stresses in the instruments predicted the approximate location of the fatigue fracture.

Conclusions

The stiffer instrument had the highest stress concentration in FEA and the least number of rotations until fracture in the cyclic fatigue test. Increased curvature of the root canal generated higher stresses and shortened the lifetime of NiTi files. Finite-element stress analysis reflected cyclic fatigue fracture resistance.     

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Three Different Nickel-Titanium Instruments after Immersion in Sodium Hypochlorite

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to assess the resistance to cyclic fatigue of three nickel-titanium (NiTi) files after the immersion in sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution in conditions similar to those used in clinical practice.

Methods

A total of 150 new Twisted Files (SybronEndo, Orange, CA), Revo S SU files (Micro Mega, Besancon, France), and Mtwo files (Sweden and Martina, Padova, Italy), size 25.06, were tested. Fifty files of the same brand were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10) and submitted to the following immersion protocol in 5% NaOCl at 37°C for 16 mm: no immersion (control), 5 minutes statically, 1 minute statically, 5 minutes dynamically (300 rpm/min), and 1 minute dynamically. Resistance to cyclic fatigue was determined by counting the numbers of cycles to failure in a 60° curve with a 5-mm radius. Data were analyzed by two-way analyses of variance.

Results

Resistance to cyclic fatigue of the same NiTi file was not significantly affected by immersion in NaOCl (P > .05). The Twisted File showed a higher resistance in all groups than Revo S SU (P < .001). The comparison between the same groups of Twisted Files and Mtwo files or between Mtwo and Revo S files did not show significant differences (P > .05) except for two cases: group 2 of the Twisted Files and Mtwo files and group 5 of the Mtwo and Revo S SU files (P < .05).

Conclusions

Static or dynamic immersion in NaOCl for 1 minute or 5 minutes did not reduce the cyclic fatigue resistance of NiTi significantly. However, the type of instrument influences cyclic fatigue resistance. In our study, Twisted Files were more resistant followed by Mtwo and Revo S SU files.     

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Nickel-Titanium Instruments after Immersion in Irrigant Solutions with or without Surfactants

Introduction

The aim of the study was to assess cyclic fatigue resistance of reciprocating (Reciproc and WaveOne) and continuous rotating (ProTaper) nickel-titanium files after immersion in different irrigation solutions with or without surfactants during several short time periods.

Methods

A total of 270 new Reciproc R25, WaveOne Primary, and ProTaper F2 files were tested. Instruments of each brand were divided into 1 control group (n = 10) formed by new files and 4 test groups (n = 20) formed by instruments dynamically immersed at 37°C for 16 mm in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Hypoclean (5.25% NaOCl with surfactant), 17% EDTA, or EDTA Plus (17% EDTA with surfactant). Each test group was subdivided into 2 subgroups (n = 10) on the basis of the time of dynamic immersion in the endodontic irrigant solution (45 seconds or 3 minutes). Resistance to cyclic fatigue was determined by recording time to fracture in a stainless steel artificial canal with a 60° angle of curvature and 5-mm radius of curvature. The fracture surface was examined by using scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Immersion in NaOCl did not reduce the cyclic fatigue of reciprocating or continuous nickel-titanium files. The 17% EDTA reduced the fatigue resistance of all instruments after 3 minutes. The immersion in irrigants with surfactants did not influence the cyclic fatigue of instruments except for Reciproc immersed in Hypoclean solution.

Conclusions

EDTA immersion reduced the cyclic fatigue resistance of all instruments after 3 minutes. Addition of surfactants did not influence the cyclic fatigue of files except when added to NaOCl when it contacts Reciproc instruments.     

Comparison of Torque,Screw-in Force,and Shaping Ability of Glide Path Instruments in Continuous Rotation and Optimum Glide Path Motion

IntroductionThis study aimed to analyze torque/force generation and transportation in double-curved canals instrumented with 3 types of glide path files using optimum glide path (OGP) motion in comparison with continuous rotation.MethodsSixty simulated double-curved canals were prepared with #10/0.05 or #15/0.03 HyFlex EDM Glidepath files (Coltene/Whaledent, Altstätten, Switzerland) or a #13/0.04 prototype MANI Glidepath file (Tochigi, Japan) using OGP motion or continuous rotation (n = 10 each). Canals were sequentially prepared to 20 mm and 22 mm (full working length) using automated root canal instrumentation and a torque/force analyzing device. Transportation was calculated at 1–9 mm from the apex. Data were compared using 2-way analysis of variance followed by a post hoc simple main effect test with Bonferroni correction and a Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 5%).ResultsAll #10/0.05 instruments fractured. In the 22-mm preparation, the OGP motion resulted in lower clockwise torque and screw-in force than did continuous rotation (P < .05). In the 20-mm preparation, #15/0.03 instruments recorded a lower screw-in force for OGP motion than for continuous rotation (P < .05). Comparing the 2 preparation phases, OGP motion generated no significant differences; however, continuous rotation developed higher clockwise torque and screw-in force in the 22-mm preparation than in the 20-mm preparation (P < .05). There was no significant difference among the tested groups for transportation values.ConclusionsCompared with continuous rotation, OGP motion generated less screw-in force, lower clockwise torque, and similar transportation. The #15/0.03 HyFlex EDM instrument and the #13/0.04 prototype MANI instrument performed similarly well.     

Effect of Curvature Location on Fatigue Resistance of Five Nickel-titanium Files Determined at Body Temperature

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 5 different curvature locations on the fatigue resistance of thermomechanically treated nickel-titanium (NiTi) files and superelastic NiTi files at body temperature and to document the corresponding phase transformations.MethodsEndoSequence (ES; Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA), EndoSequence CM (ESCM, Brasseler USA), K3 (SybronEndo, Orange, CA), K3XF (SybronEndo), and Vortex Blue (VB; Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK) NiTi files (size 25/.04) were subjected to fatigue tests inside customized artificial canals containing a curvature of 60° and a 3-mm radius. There were 5 different canals based on the location of initial curvature; these included groups in which the distance between the canal orifice and the location of the curvature (DOC) was 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11 mm. The model canal was immersed in water at 37°C ± 1°C. The number of cycles to failure (N_f) was recorded, and the fracture surface of the fragments was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Two unused files of each brand were examined by differential scanning calorimetry.ResultsThe N_f was highest in the 10-mm and 11-mm DOC groups and lowest with the 5-mm and 6-mm DOC groups (P < .05). ESCM files had the highest fatigue resistance followed by the VB, K3XF, K3, and ES files (P < .05). ESCM files had the highest N_f (P < .05), and ES and K3 files had the lowest N_f (P < .05) depending on the curvature location. Two endothermic peaks were observed on the heating curve of the heat-treated files (ESCM, K3XF, and VB).ConclusionsThe location of the canal curvature had a significant effect on the fatigue resistance of both heat-treated and superelastic NiTi files. The fatigue life of files in the coronal curve was quite short.