Qualitative description of a new preparation technique: The balanced-forcemotion using the Endographe

The forces and torque applied during the balanced-force motion technique of root canal preparation were measured with the Endographe. Five endodontist s prepared 100 extracted teeth, all straight and with similar root anatomy. The assignment of "tooth practitioner" was randomized. Gates-Glidden burs were used to prepare the coronal part and ensure apical patency for the oth er instruments. The balanced-force technique with conventional instruments was then used for the body of the canal. For the apical part either the wat ch-winding pull with conventional instruments or the reversed balanced-forc e technique with manual GT files was used. The Endogrammes were similar amo ng endodontists for the coronal phase and showed low vertical forces in con trast with the lateral forces. For the body the Endogrammes were highly spe cific and described perfectly the different steps of instrument work. For t he apical part the Endogrammes of the conventional instruments showed a lac k of vertical forces. The Endogrammes of the manual GT files showed that to rque was applied inversely to that of the conventional instruments. Force a pplication was similar. In conclusion these objective data indicate the cor rect way of working with the different techniques incorporated into the bal anced-force motion technique.