Comparative Evaluation of Canal Centering Ability between Protaper Rotary and Self Adjusting File in Oval Shaped Canals – A Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Analysis

Abstract

Background: Self Adjusting Files have been introduced to overcome the disadvantage of protaper rotary files, especially for oval root canal centering. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the canal centering ability between rotary protaper and self adjusting file in oval shaped canals using cone beam computed tomography. Methods: The study was carried out on 20 single rooted mandibular premolars. To compare the canal centering ability produced by different techniques, pre-instrumentation, post-instrumentation, cross section images of specimen at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the apex were obtained from the 3D CBCT images of each individual group. The images captured digitally using Image Tools Software were compared. Results: Inter group comparison of mean ratio of both the groups at 3, 6 and 9 mm after preparation of canal showed statistically significant difference between both the groups (p<0.05). Intra group comparison of mean ratio of both the groups at 3, 6 and 9 mm after preparation of canal showed that the difference between both the groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The canal centering ability of self adjusting file was efficient than protaper rotary files.