PREPARATION OF SIMULATED ROOT CANALS USING THE MACFILE, CANAL-MASTER-U AND K-FLEXOFILE

The efficacy of three different root canal instruments in maintaining the original shape of curved canals was evaluated. Acrylic blocks were prepared to simulate canals with 40 degrees and 60 degrees curvature. K-Flexofiles and Macfiles were used with a step-back technique utiliz ing an 'in/out' filing motion. The balanced-force technique was used w ith Canal Master 'U' instruments. Ten 40 degrees and 10 60 degrees can als were prepared with each instrument. The results were evaluated usi ng superimposed photographic slides at x20 magnification to show the c anals before and after the instrumentation. The width of the prepared canals was measured at their convex/concave point to determine the div ergence of the instrumented canal shape from the original canal shape. The measurements were taken at the level of the apical foramen and 3 and 6 mm coronal to it. In this way it was possible to recognize all t he defects created during the preparation of a canal. Among the tested instruments, the Macfile provoked minimal canal deviation (P = 0.05). The Canal Master 'U' was similarly effective (P = 0.05), but had the highest incidence of instrument fracture. The K-Flexofile demonstrated the most defects in canal preparation and canal deviation, particular ly at the level of the apical foramen (P < 0.01).