Analysis of reciprocating system real-time torque variation during root canal preparation

OBJECTIVE: This study monitored real-time torque variation of the WaveOne Gold (WOG) and Reciproc Blue (RB) during root canal preparation of mandibular molars. Thirty-six mandibular molars were prepared with WOG Primary 25.07 (WOGP, n = 36) and the RB R25 25.08 (RBR25, n = 36) for the mesial canals, whereas WOG Large 45.05 (WOGL, n = 18) and RB R40 40.06 (RBR40, n = 18) for the distal. Canal preparation was divided into thirds and the torque, maximum torque and time, were recorded. RESULTS: The RBR25 instruments exhibited higher maximum torque in the apical third in contrast to the WOGP instruments (p < 0.05). The intragroup analysis found a significant difference in maximum torque between the cervical and apical thirds, and the middle and apical thirds (p < 0.05) for both instruments (RBR25 and WOGP). The WOGP group had the shortest preparation time (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the WOGL and RBR40 for any of the parameters evaluated (p > 0.05). The RBR25 had the highest torque when compared to the WOGP. Both instruments exhibited higher torque in the apical third and there were no significant differences between the instruments in the distal canal.