title: Physical Properties of Five Brands of K-Files.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Endodontic K-files are major tools for cleaning and shaping of the root canal systems. As there are various K-files available in Iranian market, the physical properties of the five available brands were investigated to assist the clinician when selecting suitable endodontic K-files according to the intended application.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physical properties (including debris creation, machinery defect and corrosion) of the selected K-files were investigated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) under ×250 magnification. For evaluating the flutes number, a stereomicroscope was used with ×40 magnification.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Maximum and minimum debris and corrosion were observed in the Larmrose and Perfect K-files, respectively. Dentsply showed the least machinery defects. Other brands had intermediary properties. In addition, Larmrose K-files showed the maximum flutes number compared to the other brands.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to the results, none of the K-files had the ideal properties. More studies regarding the physical properties of the K-files and their clinical efficacy are suggested.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran;
authors.forename: Arash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Izadi
authors.affiliation: Endodontology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran;
authors.forename: Arash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shahravan
authors.affiliation: Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
authors.forename: Hoda
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shabani Nejad
keywords: Corrosion; Debris; Physical Properties; Scanning Electron Microscopy