Evaluation of mechanical properties of an original and a replica-like reciprocating instruments

Aust Endod J. 2024 May 15. doi: 10.1111/aej.12854. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

This study assessed the mechanical properties of the Only One File Blue and the Reciproc Blue instruments. A total of 80 new 25 mm reciprocating NiTi instruments (25/.08v) were evaluated for their mechanical performance (n = 40 per group). Cyclic fatigue resistance, torsional fatigue, flexural resistance and buckling resistance tests were conducted. Statistical analysis was employed with a significance level set at 5%. The results indicated no statistically significant differences in resistance to cyclic fatigue neither in the fragment length between the instruments (p > 0.05). However, the Reciproc Blue instrument exhibited greater torque to fracture and a larger rotation angle than the Only One File Blue instrument (p < 0.05). The Only One File Blue instrument demonstrated higher flexibility but lower resistance to buckling compared to the Reciproc Blue instrument (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the tested instruments exhibit differences in mechanical properties, with the Reciproc Blue instrument generally presenting greater advantages than the Only One File Blue.

Keywords: endodontics; fracture resistance; materials testing; reciprocating system; torsional resistance.