Comparative evaluation of apically extruded debris using three different thermomechanically heat treated file systems with two different motions: An in vitro study

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Postoperative inflammation and endodontic failure occur due to apical extrusion of debris. The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the amount of apically extruded debris during the root canal preparation using rotary and reciprocating nickel-titanium instrumentation systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mesiobuccal canals of seventy five mature, human mandibular molars were randomly divided into three groups (n = 25 teeth/group). Each group was instrumented using one of the three different instrumentation systems: Hyflex EDM (HEDM) rotary file, Flexicon X7 rotary, and Flexicon X1 reciprocating files. The canals were irrigated using distilled water. The debris extruded apically was collected in preweighed Eppendorf tubes and assessed with an electronic balance and compared. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and the intergroup comparison with single factor ANOVA. RESULTS: The Flexicon X1 reciprocating system showed the maximum amount of apical extrusion of debris among all the groups. The least amount of debris was observed in Flexicon X7 rotary instrument (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Flexicon X7 rotary extruded significantly lesser amount of debris than Flexicon X1 reciprocating and HEDM rotary file systems.