Buckling resistance of pathfinding endodontic instruments

J Endod. 2012 Mar;38(3):402-4. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2011.10.029. Epub 2011 Dec 22.

Abstract

Introduction: This study compared the buckling resistance of the following endodontic pathfinding instruments: C-Pilot file (VDW, Munich, Germany), C+ file (Maillefer/Dentsply, Ballaigues, Switzerland), and PathFile (Maillefer/Dentsply).

Methods: The test instruments were subjected to a devised buckling resistance test, which consisted of the application of an increasing load in the axial direction of the instrument by using a universal testing machine. The maximum load required to generate a lateral elastic displacement of 1 mm was recorded for each instrument.

Results: The results indicated that the buckling resistance decreased in the following order: C+ file > C-Pilot file > PathFile. The difference was statistically significant (P < .05).

Conclusions: The stainless steel instruments (C+ and C-Pilot) were more resistant to buckling than the nickel-titanium instrument (PathFile). Considering that buckling resistance may influence the performance of instruments during the negotiation of constricted canals, the C+ files showed significantly better results than the other instruments tested.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dental Alloys / chemistry*
  • Dental Stress Analysis / instrumentation
  • Elasticity
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Phenomena
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nickel / chemistry
  • Root Canal Preparation / instrumentation*
  • Stainless Steel / chemistry
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Surface Properties
  • Titanium / chemistry

Substances

  • Dental Alloys
  • titanium nickelide
  • Stainless Steel
  • Nickel
  • Titanium