Effect of ProTaper and Reciproc preparation and gutta-percha cone on cold lateral compaction

CONTEXT The effectiveness of cold lateral compaction depends on the root canal preparation and used gutta-percha cone. AIMS The aim of this study is to evaluate finger spreader penetration into root canals prepared with ProTaper (PT) or Reciproc (Rec) systems and filled with gutta-percha cones with different tapers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four simulated root canals in resin blocks with 30° curvature were prepared up to PT F2 or Rec R25. They were divided into four experimental groups according to the master gutta-percha cone and preparation (25.02 or F2/PT, and 25.02 or R25/Rec). Cold lateral compaction was performed using a stainless steel finger spreader size B. The set cone-finger spreader-resin block was placed in a universal test machine, and a load up to 1.5 kg was applied on the finger spreader. The final distance between the finger spreader and apical preparation after load application was obtained. For comparison among the groups, data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's tests, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS Greater finger spreader penetration was observed for 0.02/Rec and 0.02/PT, followed by F2/PT and R25/Rec. CONCLUSION The use of cones associated with PT and Rec preparations does not allow the finger spreader penetration up to the apical third.