Cyclic Fatigue Resistance and Fractographic Analysis of Race and Protaper Rotary NiTi Instruments

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the fatigue and fracture modes of RaCe and ProTaper rotary instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fatigue resistance was evaluated by rotating the files 30° or 60° and with 2 or 5mm radius of curvature. RaCe taper 06 size 25 and ProTaper F1 files (n=40) were used. The number of rotations to failure was analyzed by two-way ANOVA and independent sample t-test. Fracture surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Both files exhibited significantly more resistance to fracture when angle severity was reduced and increase in curvature radius (P=0.000). ProTaper demonstrated higher number of cycle of failure (P=0.0029) in one group (r=5mm, 60º). SEM observation revealed fatigue mark/features in 17 specimens, shear characteristics in 37 samples, and tensile overload in 26 samples. CONCLUSION: Radius of curvature was the main factor in torsional and fatigue failures.