ABSTRACT
Objective:
The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two nickel-titanium rotary systems regarding the preparation time, final shape of canal, incidence of aberration, transportation, and fracture of instrument.
Methods:
A total of 40 simulated canals in resin blocks with 30o curves and a length of 17 mm were divided randomly into two groups: preparation with ProTaper and BioRaCe systems up to F5 and BR5 respectively. Pre- and post-operative canal images were taken and superimposed in order to identify aberrations, transportation, and to take measurements of the canal width. In addition, the preparation time and instrument fractures were recorded. The data were analyzed using Student's t test.
Results:
There is no difference (p>.05) comparing the systems regarding preparation time, canal aberration, and instrument fracture rates. The progressive tapered instruments of ProTaper prepared significantly larger canal widths in the apical third (p<.05).
Conclusion:
Overall, both systems provided safe canal preparation, associated with few canal aberrations and instrument fractures.
Indexing terms:
Dental pulp cavity; Endodontics; In vitro techniques
