Efficiency of rotary nickel-titanium K3 instruments compared with stainless steel hand K-Flexofile. Part 1. Shaping ability in simulated curved canals

Abstract

Aim: To compare the shaping ability of K3 rotary nickel-titanium instruments with stainless steel K-Flexofiles manipulated by hand. Part 1 of this two-part report describes the efficiency of these two instruments in simulated curved root canals.

Methodology: Simulated canals with 28 degrees and 35 degrees curves in resin blocks were prepared by K3 instruments with a rotational speed of 250 r.p.m. using a crown-down preparation technique, or by K-Flexofiles using a reaming motion -i = 24 canals in each case). All canals were prepared up to size 35 at the end-point of preparation. Pre- and postinstrumentation images were recorded, and assessment of canal shape was completed with a computer image analysis program. Material removal was measured at 20 measuring points, beginning 1 mm from the apex. Incidence of canal aberrations, preparation time, changes of working length and instrument failures were also recorded.

Results: In comparison with stainless steel K-Flexofiles, rotary K3 instruments achieved better canal geometry and showed significantly less canal transportation (P < 0.05) Eleven K3 instruments and none of the K-Flexofiles fractured during preparation (P < 0.05). Between both the canal types, K3 was significantly faster (P < 0.001) than K-Flexofiles. Both instruments maintained a good working distance.

Conclusions: K3 instruments prepared curved canals rapidly and with minimal transportation towards the outer aspect of the curve. Fractures occurred significantly more often with K3.