Cyclic Fatigue Resistance and Fractographic Analysis of Race and Protaper Rotary NiTi Instruments

INTRODUCTION This study investigated the fatigue and fracture modes of RaCe and ProTaper rotary instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fatigue resistance was evaluated by rotating the files 30° or 60° and with 2 or 5mm radius of curvature. RaCe taper 06 size 25 and ProTaper F1 files (n=40) were used. The number of rotations to failure was analyzed by two-way ANOVA and independent sample t-test. Fracture surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS Both files exhibited significantly more resistance to fracture when angle severity was reduced and increase in curvature radius (P=0.000). ProTaper demonstrated higher number of cycle of failure (P=0.0029) in one group (r=5mm, 60º). SEM observation revealed fatigue mark/features in 17 specimens, shear characteristics in 37 samples, and tensile overload in 26 samples. CONCLUSION Radius of curvature was the main factor in torsional and fatigue failures.