A comparison of instrumentation using Naviflex and Profile nickel-titaniumengine-driven rotary instruments

This study was designed to compare the changes in canal configuration resul ting from instrumentation by either Profile or Naviflex instruments. Forty mesial canals in extracted human molar teeth were embedded and sectioned at two root levels. Reassembled teeth were instrumented with a modified crown -down technique as described in the Profile training video for Profile file s and in a similar manner for Naviflex instruments. Superimposed pre-and po stinstrumented cross-sectional root images were projected, traced, and scan ned into a computer for analysis. Canal movement, in relation to the furca, and canal area change were recorded. The results showed no significant dif ference in canal center movement or canal area change between the Profile o r Naviflex groups. The degree of canal curvature had no effect on canal cen ter movement or canal area change.