Volume : 1, Issue : 6, November - 2012

Evaluation of the Instrument Life of A Rotary Nickel Titanium File in Curved Root Canals � An in–Vitro Study

Dr. Bhavana Gandhi, Dr. Ramesh Halebathi Gowdra

Abstract :

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the instrument life of a rotary Nickel Titanium file in curved root canals. Methods: 100 canals each from 50 extracted maxillary and mandibular molars were selected for measuring the mean number of uses. Each canal was prepared with continuous motion using an endodontic rotary hand piece using a single Protaper® F3 file until it reached the working length. One file was used until it was fractured or deformed. All the root canals were prepared by a single operator. Results: A total of 11 files were used in the preparation of 100 curved root canals. The average lifespan of one F3 file was 8.15±2.95 canals with the longest life span of 11 canals. Conclusion: Within the `limitations of this study one F3 file can be safely used to the working length of curved canals at least seven times under continuous motion.