Evidence for reduced torsional resistance of rotary files under curved position

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the torsional fatigue resistance of different rotary files in straight and curved positions at a simulated intracanal temperature. METHODS: Forty-eight size #25 files from ProTaper Universal (PTU), ProTaper Next (PTN) and ProTaper Gold (PTG) were tested for torsional resistance in both straight and curved (90 degrees) positions (n = 8 each). The experiment was conducted at a simulated intracanal temperature of 35 ± 1 °C. The torque gauge was reset before every use, and uniform torsional stress was applied by rotating the file clockwise at a speed of 40 rpm until fracture. Torque failure values were recorded, and fractured surfaces were tested using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis of the data was completed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc test (LSD) in order to compare between the tested systems in each file position. Student’s t-test was also performed to compare between the two positions in each rotary system, and significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: In the straight position, torsional resistance of PTN was significantly lower than that of PTU and PTG (p < 0.001), while the PTU and PTG had comparable results (p > 0.05). In the curved position, torsional resistance was found to be comparable among all systems (p > 0.05). Within each system, the curved position resulted in a significantly lower torsional resistance when compared to the straight position (p < 0.001). SEM examination revealed similar torsional failure behavior for all files tested under both positions. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified that placing files in a curved position was associated with a significant decrease in torsional resistance of all systems, and this necessitates reconsidering the torque settings proposed by the manufacturers. Whether these effects can be translated into in vivo studies remains to be investigated, and thus future studies are essential to provide confirming evidence.