EFFECTIVENESS OF 2 DIFFERENT METHODS FOR PREPARING CURVED ROOT CANALS

In this study, the effect of using two different methods for preparing curved root canals of extracted, single-rooted teeth were analyzed wi th the scanning electron microscope. The instrumentation systems teste d were the Canal Master and a standard circumferential filing techniqu e in which conventional K-files were used. Shaping effectiveness was q ualitatively evaluated in terms of respect for conservation of the api cal constriction and the presence or absence of ledging, specially in the apical third of the root canals. As a result of our observations, it appeared that the Canal Master instrumentation technique provided w ell-centered and tapered preparations. Conversely, the use of conventi onal K-files with a standard circumferential filing technique resulted in frequent alterations of the initial pattern of the root canals, sh owing transportation of the apical foramen and ledge formation.