Comparative evaluation of incidence of separation of three different endodontic reciprocating files (manufactured from Ni-Ti) using scanning electron microscope: An in vitro study

Background and Objectives: The most significant objective of this in vitro study was to analyze the incidence of separation of three different endodontic Ni-Ti manufactured files using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) used in root canal shaping. Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted teeth (maxillary 1st molars and mandibular 1st molars) were obtained from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, People's Dental Academy, Bhopal, India, and selected for root canal shaping with Ni-Ti manufactured three types of endodontic file. Ninety canals determined for root canal shaping with three different endodontic files were divided into three equal groups (WaveOne, Reciproc instruments, and WaveOne Gold during biomechanical preparation) to know the number of canals prepared before separation (i.e., lifespan). The data were recorded using a SEM and analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results: The mean score between the three files used was for the WaveOne file system was 5.40 ± 0.89, for Reciproc file system was 5.90 ± 1.19, and for WaveOne Gold file was 9.33 ± 1.58. Statistically, it shows a significant difference in the mean number of canals prepared before separation among three file systems (F = 87.46, P Conclusion: According to the outcome of this in vitro study, the longest existence span was found in WaveOne Gold file system, accompanied by Reciproc file, and WaveOne file was found with the shortest existence span.