Cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of curved root canals prepared using reciprocal rotary files and rotational rotary files

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare curved root canal preparation between reciprocal rotary files and rotational rotary files in extracted teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The independent variable was the file type (reciprocal vs. rotary), and the primary outcome variable was the centering ratio of distance change after canal preparation. Secondary outcomes were canal transportation in extension and direction and the preparation time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty mesial root canals from extracted permanent molars with curvatures ranging between 25° and 45° were randomly divided into 4 groups. Canals were prepared with two types of reciprocal rotary files (WaveOne and Reciproc) and two types of rotational rotary files (ProTaper and Mtwo), ten canals in each group. The root canals were scanned before and after preparation using CBCT. Group differences in outcome variables were tested using ANOVA and 5% type I error probability. RESULTS: At the middle third of canals, reciprocal rotary files yielded the least amount of deviation from the center in inner–outer furcal direction (P < 0.001). Transportation was shown from the original canal shape in all directions in four groups. The reciprocal rotary files took the least amount of preparation time as well (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Reciprocal files result in less transportation and working time than the rotational files.