Cleaning efficacy of reciprocal and rotary systems in the removal of root canal filling material.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of hand file, nickel titanium rotary instrument, and two reciprocating instruments for removing gutta-percha and sealer from the root canals.


METHODS
Eighty-eight mandibular premolar teeth were used. The root canals were shaped and filled with gutta-percha and a resin-based sealer. The specimens were divided into four groups according to the technique by which the root filling material was removed: Group 1 - Wave One; Group 2 - Reciproc; Group 3 - ProTaper; and Group 4 - Gates-Glidden burs and stainless steel hand file. Then teeth were split longitudinally and photographed. The images were transferred to a computer. The ratio of remaining filling material to the root canal periphery was calculated with the aid of ImageJ software. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.


RESULTS
A significant difference was found among all groups (P < 0.001). The WaveOne group demonstrated significantly less remaining filling material. The greatest amount of filling material was found in specimens where gutta-percha was removed with Gates-Glidden burs and stainless steel hand file.


CONCLUSIONS
The reciprocating files were found to be significantly more effective in removing the filling material from the canal walls compared to the rotational file and hand file.
Department of Endodontics, Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey.
Mustafa Murat
MM
Koçak
Department of Endodontics, Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey.
Sibel
S
Koçak
Department of Endodontics, Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey.
Sevinç Aktemur
SA
Türker
Department of Endodontics, Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey.
Baran Can
BC
Sağlam
Reciprocating motion; retreatment; rotary systems