Comparison of Canal Transportation and Centering Ability of Twisted Files, Pathfile-ProTaper System, and Stainless Steel Hand K-Files by Using Computed Tomography

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare canal transportation and centering ability of 2 rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) systems (Twisted Files [TF] and Pathfile-ProTaper [PP]) with conventional stainless steel K-files. Methods: Ninety root canals with severe curvature and short radius were selected. Canals were divided randomly into 3 groups of 30 each. After preparation with TF, PP, and stainless steel files, the amount of transportation that occurred was assessed by using computed tomography. Three sections from apical, mid-root, and coronal levels of the canal were recorded. Amount of transportation and centering ability were assessed. The 3 groups were statistically compared with analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference test. Results: Less transportation and better centering ability occurred with IF rotary instruments (P < .0001). K-files showed the highest transportation followed by PP system. PP system showed significant transportation when compared with IF (P < .0001). Conclusions: The IF system was found to be the best for all variables measured in this study. (J Ended 2010;36:904-907)