Shaping ability of Pathfile and WaveOne in simulated root canals

This study aims to evaluate the shaping capability of Pathfile and WaveOne in simulated root canals.

A total of 20 simulated resin blocks were divided randomly into two groups, group W prepared with WaveOne alone. Group PW prepared with WaveOne and Pathfile. Preparation time and number of separated instruments were measured respectively. Pre - and post - operative images were obtained with a scanner and superimposed through Photoshop and ImageJ2X. The changes in canal bending curvature and material removal from the inner and outer canal walls at 10 points beginning at 1mm from the end point of the canal were measured with ImageJ2X. Centering capability was determined accordingly by comparing and analyzing the material removal from the inner and outer canal walls.

Two groups have no occurrence of instrument separation, no statics significance in root canal preparation and the changes of root canal working length differences (P > 0.05). But at position of root canal point 4 to 5 mm, the misalignment of group W were 0.085 ± 0.05 mm and -0.312 ± 0.068 mm, the misalignment of group PW were -0.071 ± 0.042 mm, -0.26 ± 0.103 mm (P < 0.05).

Both two groups instruments showed good performance in preparation but both created some apical transportation. However, group PW exhibited more superior centering capability than group W in the middle part of the canal.