Effectiveness of nickel‐titanium files for preparing curved root canals

In this study, the effect of 2 different endodontic files on the final shape of curved root canals of extracted single rooted teeth were examined in the scanning electron microscope. The instruments tested were a newly designed nickel-titanium endodontic file and a conventional K-type file. The files were used with in and out linear movements with a circumferential motion starting with a size 15 file. Final preparation of the apical thirds of the canals was performed with a size 35 file. Shaping effectiveness of the tested instruments was evaluated in terms of respect for conservation of the apical constriction and the presence or absence of ledging. Our observations revealed that more centered and tapered preparations were obtained with the use of the nickel-titanium files than with the conventional K-type files.