Comparative evaluation of twisted and protaper files in pediatric endodontics – In-vitro study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present in-vitro study was to evaluate the cutting efficiency of two nickel-titanium (NiTi) file systems, Twisted File (TF) and ProTaper file. Materials and Methods: Thirty extracted human primary tooth root canals were randomly divided into two groups with 15 root canals each. All the root canals after injected with Indian ink were instrumented with ProTaper Rotary NiTi files and Rotary NiTi TFs. All the root canals were then cleared to make them transparent. After the teeth appeared clear, they were observed under a stereomicroscope to check for residual Indian ink in the canals and scored. The data thus obtained were statistically analyzed with Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney test. Results: The mean of scoring of Group I, i.e., Rotary TF system, was 1.0. The mean of scoring of Group II, i.e., ProTaper Rotary file system, was 1.40. Conclusions: Root canal instrumentation of primary teeth showed nonsignificant differences in the cutting ability between the two systems of ProTaper and TF Rotary which were investigated, but signified a more even and uniform removal of dentin with the TF system.