Evaluation of Root Canal Cleaning and Shaping Efficacy of Three Engine-driven Instruments: SafeSider, ProTaper Universal and Lightspeed LSX.

AIM To compare the cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability of SafeSider, ProTaper Universal and Lightspeed rotary instruments during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted human teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 63 roots with curved root canals were divided into three groups. Canals were prepared using SafeSider, ProTaper Universal or Lightspeed LSX. Using pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures and loss of working length were determined with a computer image analysis program. The amounts of debris at the apical 5 mm were quantified on the basis of a numerical evaluation scale. The data were analyzed statistically using the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS There was significantly more transportation among the Lightspeed LSX group compared to the SafeSider and ProTaper Universal groups only at the 4 mm level (p < 0.05). The ProTaper Universal instruments performed significantly faster than other groups. No significant differences were observed between the three engine-driven instruments with regards to debris removal. CONCLUSION SafeSider, ProTaper Universal and Lightspeed LSX rotary instruments maintained the original canal curvature well at the apical 3 mm and were safe to use. No difference was found in cleaning efficacy and none rendered the apical part of the canal free of debris. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE SafeSider, ProTaper Universal and Lightspeed LSX rotary instruments are safe to use in curved root canals.