Caspian Journal of Dental Research

Introduction: Root canal instrumentation is an important phase in root canal therapy. Since success in endodontic treatment depends on file defect and fracture, the aim of this study was to compare the evaluation of defect and fracture in rotary and reciproc files in severe curved root canals.

Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 60 mesial canals of human closed apex molars with more than 30° canal curvature were randomly divided into two groups. In first group M-two rotary files number# 15, 20, and 25 and in second group R25 reciproc file were used for filing, respectively. A ×8 magnifier was applied to evaluate the defect or fracture presence in each side and if it were observed, a new file would be replaced. Therefore, the number of prepared canals with each file and fractured or defective files and the place of fracture in root canal were recorded. Kaplan Meier curve and log rank test were done by using SPSS v.22.

Results: In rotary group, seven and two files were fractured and defected, respectively and four files were fractured and no defect was observed in reciproc group. Although the mean of the number of prepared canals until fracture or defect in rotary and reciproc groups was 3.3 and 7.06, respectively, there were no significant differences between two systems. All file’s fractures occurred in apical regions .

Conclusion: The results showed that there was no significant difference in defects or fractures of rotary and reciproc systems. Reciproc instruments can be more effective than rotary ones because the root canal preparation in rotary instruments is longer than in reciproc system.