Effect of adaptive motion on cyclic fatigue resistance of a nickel titanium instrument designed for retreatment

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cyclic fatigue resistance of the ProTaper Universal D1 file (Dentsply Maillefer) under continuous and adaptive motion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty ProTaper Universal D1 files were included in this study. The cyclic fatigue tests were performed using a dynamic cyclic fatigue testing device, which had an artificial stainless steel canal with a 60° angle of curvature and a 5 mm radius of curvature. The files were randomly divided into two groups (Group 1, Rotary motion; Group 2, Adaptive motion). The time to failure of the files were recorded in seconds. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) was calculated for each group. The data were statistically analyzed using Student's t-test. The statistical significant level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The cyclic fatigue resistance of the adaptive motion group was significantly higher than the rotary motion group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study, the ‘Adaptive motion’ significantly increased the resistance of the ProTaper Universal D1 file to cyclic facture.