Shaping potential of manual NiTi K-File and rotary ProTaper and analyzing the final outcome of shaped canals using CT.

AIM To assess and compare the shaping potential of manual NiTi K-files and Rotary ProTaper instruments in narrow canals using CT. OBJECTIVE To assess the shaping potential of manual NiTi K-files and Rotary ProTaper and analyzing the final outcome of shaped canals using CT and determining different variables, like • Working time • Change in volume • Change in cross-sectional area. MATERIALS AND METHODS From a pool of fifty freshly extracted permanent maxillary molars (1st and 2nd), 30 were selected with curvatures (20 to 40°) (Schneider 1971). Tissue fragments and calcified debries were removed from the teeth by scaling. The teeth were then stored in normal saline until used. All the mesiobuccal canals were scanned by CT to obtain preinstrumented images. Teeth were scaled and stored in normal saline. This study was divided in two groups with 15 samples each. GROUP I (PROTAPER ROTARY): Canals were instrumented with Protaper Rotary instruments using crown down technique according to manufacturer's instructions. GROUP II (NITI K-FILE): Were instrumented by NiTi K-files using step back technique with a quarter turn/pull motion. EVALUATIONS OF WORKING TIME: Comparative evaluations of working time was done for both the experimental groups. CT ANALYSIS AND MEASUREMENTS: The samples were analyzed and evaluated for: • Postinstrumentation change in volume. • Postinstrumentation change in cross-sections area. RESULT From the observations and statistical analysis carried out in this study, it was found that: There was a statistically significant difference between all the parameters judged for the present study that is: 1. Instrumentation with ProTaper Rotary system took significantly less time than instrumentation with manual NiTi K-file. 2. Change in the canal volume following instrumentation with ProTaper Rotary was significantly greater than that produced by manual NITi K-file. 3. a. Change in cross-section area at 2 and 3 mm from the apex was significantly greater with manual NiTi K-file as compared to ProTaper Rotary. b. Change in cross sections at 4.5, 6 and 7.5 mm from the apex with ProTaper Rotary was significantly greater than that produced by manual NITi K-file. CONCLUSION This clearly establishes that there is a drastic difference in the shaping ability of manual and Rotary NiTi instruments used with step back and crown down technique respectively with the rotary instrumentation being faster and producing greater changes in the canal anatomy.