Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of centering ability and root canal transportation of ProTaper gold and v taper blue files in mandibular molar root canal preparation

Abstract

Introduction: To maintain the original shape of root canals using instruments with minimum effects on canal location is considered an important step in root canal preparation. Canal transportation is a common procedural mistake in the instrumentation of curved canals. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the central ability and root canal transportation of two types of rotary files in curved canals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Method and Material: A total of 40 mesiobuccal root canals of human mandibular first molars with an angle of curvature of 25-35 degrees and radius curvature of 5 millimeters were randomly divided into two groups of 20 canals each. Group A was prepared with Pro Taper Gold and Group B with V Taper Blue. Pre- and post-instrument CBCT scans were recorded. Images were reconstructed and cross-sections were detected corresponding to distances 3, 6, and 9 mm from the anatomic apex using Gambill’s method. Statistical analysis was performed with T-test and repeated measure ANOVA. P-value was set at 0.05. Results: No significant difference was observed among Pro Taper Gold and V Taper Blue in terms of centering ability from mesiodistal (P=0.304) and buccolingual (0.632) directions. Also, there was no statistical difference across two different instruments in considering to canal transportation from mesiodistal (P=0.581) and buccolingual (P=0.259) directions. However, in centering ability evaluation, each of the two groups showed significant differences in various levels of coronal, middle, and apical root level (P=0.000). Conclusion: The two instruments were similar in terms of centering ability and canal transportation in mandibular curved canal preparation.