Efficiency of the Self Adjusting File, WaveOne, Reciproc, ProTaper and hand files in root canal debridement

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the canal debridement capabilities of three single file systems, ProTaper, and K-files in oval-shaped canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five extracted human mandibular central incisors with oval-shaped root canals were selected. A radiopaque contrast medium (Metapex; Meta Biomed Co. Ltd., Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea) was introduced into the canal systems and the self-adjusting file (SAF), WaveOne, Reciproc, ProTaper, and K-files were used for the instrumentation of the canals. The percentage of removed contrast medium was calculated using pre- and post-operative radiographs. RESULTS: An overall comparison between the groups revealed that the hand file (HF) and SAF groups presented the lowest percentage of removed contrast medium, whereas the WaveOne group showed the highest percentage (P < 0.001). The ProTaper group removed more contrast medium than the SAF and HF groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: None of the instruments was able to remove the contrast medium completely. WaveOne performed significantly better than other groups.