Alternating versus continuous rotation: Root canal transportation and centering ratio with the ProTaper Next

BACKGROUND: The technique of alternating rotation has been used with NiTi rotary instruments to increase the resistance to fracture compared with conventional continuous rotation. However, it is still not clear what type of instrumentation could provide better results in the preservation of the original canal anatomy. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the influence of the type of rotation on canal transportation and centering ability using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 50 mesial canals of mandibular molars with curvatures between 30° and 60° were divided into two experimental groups (n = 25 each) according to the type of movement employed with the ProTaper Next (PTN) instruments: Group A (alternating rotation) and Group B (continuous rotation). Canals were scanned before and after instrumentation using a CBCT scanner to evaluate root canal transportation and the centering ratio at 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apex. Data were analyzed statistically using Student's t-test; the significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in canal transportation or the centering ratio at any of the three studied cross sections (3, 5, and 7 mm). CONCLUSIONS: PTN instruments promoted minimal apical transportation and remained relatively centered within the root canal, with no significant difference between alternating and continuous rotation.