Shaping ability of ProTaper Gold and ProTaper Universal files by using cone‑beam computed tomography.

ABSTRACT

Context This study evaluated and compared the shaping ability of ProTaper Gold (PG) (PG; Dentsply, Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK, USA) system with ProTaper Universal (PU) (PU; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) using cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Materials and Methods: Forty mesiobuccal canals of mandibular first molars with curvatures of 25−30° were divided into two experimental groups (n = 20) according to the rotary nickel–titanium (NiTi) file system used in canal instrumentation as follows Group PG and group PU. Canals were scanned before and after instrumentation using CBCT scanner to evaluate root canal transportation and centering ratio at 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apex and volumetric changes. Data were statistically analyzed using independent t‑tests and the significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference between PG and PU systems in the mean volume of removed dentine, canal transportation, and centering ratio (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The PG and PU NiTi rotary systems showed similar root canal shaping abilities in the preparation of mesial canals of mandibular first molars.