Cyclic fatigue resistance of Mtwo NiTi rotary instruments used by experienced and novice operators – an in vivo and in vitro study

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cyclic fatigue resistance of Mtwo NiTi rotary instruments after clinical use by 1 experienced and 1 novice operator. MATERIAL/METHODS: Cyclic fatigue testing of instruments was performed on tapered artificial canals with a 5 mm radius of curvature and 60° angle of curvature. Twenty Mtwo instruments for each size were selected and divided into 2 groups: group A consisted of 10 instruments of each size used for shaping 10 root canals in molar teeth of patients by an experienced operator; group B consisted of 10 instruments of each size used for shaping 10 root canals in molar teeth of patients by a novice operator. Instruments were rotated until fracture occurred and the numbers of cycles to failure (NCF) were recorded. Data obtained were subjected to an independent sample t-test to determine statistical differences. The significance was determined at a 95% confidence level. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was noted between the instruments of groups A and B for all sizes. More instruments with visible signs of plastic deformation were identified for the novice operator. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical use of Mtwo NiTi rotary instruments by a novice operator did not significantly affect the cyclic fatigue resistance when compared with the control group of the same instrument sizes used by an experienced operator. It can be concluded that novice operators can use these instruments safely under the recommended technical guidelines.