title: Comparison of Canal Preparation Pattern of K3 and ProTaper Rotary Files in Curved Resin Blocks.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare canal preparation pattern of K3 and ProTaper rotary files in curved resin blocks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four resin blocks were used in this experimental study and randomly divided into two groups. Their initial images were scanned. After preparation, their images were scanned again in the same position. Pre and post preparation images were superimposed by Photoshop software and the removed resin was measured in 5 different points, and then analyzed statistically by ANOVA and t-test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At O point (orifice), significantly (p<0.05) more outer canal wall was removed in the ProTaper group than in the K3 group. There was no significant difference at any other points of outer wall. Removed material of inner canal wall was not significantly different between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Under the condition of this study, both systems performed acceptable preparation pattern except at the beginning of the curve.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Dental School of Islamic Azad University and Member of Iranian Center for Endodontic Research, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Nahid
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mohammadzade Akhlaghi
authors.forename: Zohreh
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Khalilak
authors.forename: Ladan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Baradaran Mohajeri
authors.forename: Mahshid
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sheikholeslami
authors.forename: Saeed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saedi
keywords: K3; ProTaper; Root Canal Preparation; Root Canal Transportation; Rotary Files