Evaluation of Root Dentinal Damage Associated with ProTaper Gold, WaveOne Gold, and ProTaper Next during Cleaning and Shaping Procedures: An In vitro Analysis

Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the incidence of dentinal defects after root canal shaping using rotary nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) instruments (ProTaper Gold [PTG] and ProTaper Next [PTN]) and reciprocating instrument (WaveOne Gold [WOG]). Materials and Methods: One hundred human mandibular premolars with single root and single canal with canal curvature <10 degrees were randomly divided into five groups (n = 20 teeth per group). The root canals were instrumented using hand K-files (positive control), full sequence rotary files PTG and PTN, and reciprocating single-file system WOG. One group was left unprepared and served as negative control. Roots were sectioned horizontally at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex and evaluated under a stereomicroscope. Results: PTG, WOG, and PTN showed dentinal defects in 40%, 53.3%and 30% of the samples, respectively. Conclusion: Irrespective of motion kinematics, dentinal defects are observed in all the Ni-Ti file groups. Within the limitations of the present study and the available literature, incidence of dentinal defects is less with instruments working in continuous rotation rather than instruments with reciprocating motion.