Comparison of canal transportation and centering ability of K-files, ProGlider File, and G-Files : a micro-computed tomography study of curved root canals

Abstract

The PURPOSE of this study was to compare centering ability and apical canal transportation of K-files (KF), ProGlider (PG) and G-Files (GF) after glide path enlargement in curved canals using micro–CT. METHODS : 30 canals each were randomly assigned to KF; GF and PG. Teeth were scanned before and after glide path enlargement to compare centering ability at three levels: 1 mm (D1) and 7 mm (D7) from the apical foramen and at the point of maximum root curvature (Dmc). Transportation was assessed in 8 directions at D1. RESULTS : KF were significantly less centered than both NiTi groups at D1. At Dmc PG exhibited a significantly more centered enlargement than both GF and KF, which were significantly similar. At D7, PG was significantly more centered than KF but there were no significant differences between GF and KF or between PG and GF (p<0.016). KF exhibited significantly more canal transportation at D1 than the NiTi groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION : NiTi files cause less transportation than KF. At D1 KF were less centered than both NiTi files. PG remained more centered at Dmc and D7.