Influence of cervical preflaring using different rotary instruments on the accuracy of apical file size determination: A comparative in-vitro study

AIM: To investigate the influence of cervical preflaring using different rotary instruments on apical file size determination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracted human molar teeth were randomly divided in to eight groups (N = 10): Control group (CG); LA Axxess group (LA); HyFLex group (HF); GatesGlidden group (GG); ProTaper group (PT); Race group(RC); FlexMaster group (FM); and K3 group (K3). Patency was maintained and working length was established under magnification. All instruments were used according to manufacturer's instructions. Steriomicroscopic images were taken to determine the discrepancies in diameters. ProPlus software (USA) was used to determine the diameter of the root canal. ANOVA test and Post Hoc Tests—Bonferroni Multiple Comparisons were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Canals preflared with LA Axxess burs showed the best results. Control group that is, the canals with no cervical preflaring showed the maximum discrepancy between the initial apical file diameter and apical canal diameter. CONCLUSION: Cervical preflaring plays an important role in reducing the discrepancy between initial apical file diameter and apical canal diameter.