Canal transportation and centering ability of root canals prepared using rotary and reciprocating systems with and without PathFiles in cone-beam computed tomography-based three-dimensional molar prototypes

BACKGROUND: It is important to use instruments that cause minimal changes in the canal path for root canal preparation. There is inadequate literature comparing rotary and reciprocating systems and hand files. No study used three-dimensional printed models to compare rotary, reciprocating, and hand files. AIMS: We aimed to assess the canal transportation and centering ability of WaveOne Gold, ProTaper Gold, and NiTi Flex K-file systems with and without glide path preparation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-nine resin models were randomly divided into Group I A – WaveOne Gold with WaveOne Gold Glider and Group I B – WaveOne Gold without glide path; Group II A – ProTaper Gold with ProGlider and Group II B – ProTaper Gold without glide path; and Group III A – NiTi Flex K-files with no. 10 stainless steel K-file and Group III B – NiTi Flex K-files without glide path. Pre- and postinstrumentation cross-sectional images at levels 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 mm were compared. RESULTS: WaveOne Gold caused the least canal transportation and improved centering ability (P < 0.05). NiTi Flex K-files transported the canal more than others in the apical levels (3, 5 mm). Glide path creation reduced canal transportation and improved canal-centering ability. CONCLUSIONS: WaveOne Gold system has better centering ability and lesser canal transportation than ProTaper Gold and NiTi Flex K-file. Glide path creation reduced canal transportation and improved canal-centering ability.