Sayali H. Khandale, Prasad Rane, Kavita Rudagi, Kranthikumar Reddy, Zinnie Nanda, Ram Bhojane

ABSTRACT

Aim - The aim of this study was to examine the influence of instrument taper, on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots. Method - In total, 24 maxillary central incisors complying with the inclusion criteria were sectioned at approximately 13 mm from the apex. The roots were standardized with respect to the buccolingual-mesiodistal diameter before being randomly distributed into 3 experimental Groups (n = 6) and 1 control group (n = 6). The roots in group 1 were instrumented with hand files up to file 25/.02 and groups 2 and 3 with DXL – PRO rotary file up to files 25/.04 and 25/.06, respectively. After mechanical preparation, the roots were obturated with gutta-percha and sealer. Roots in group 4 acted as uninstrumented controls. A vertical load was applied to each specimen using a universal testing machine until the roots fractured. Data were statistically analysed by one way ANOVA test. Results: The mean fracture load was 326.283333 N for the control group, 297.21667 N for group 1, 276.31666 N for group 2, and 236.016667 N for group 3. Conclusion: After instrumentation using hand files up to file 25/.02 and rotary files up to files 25/.04 and 25/.06 changes the fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots.