Purpose: To compare the efficacy of Mtwo R and Reciproc with that of hand files in removing filling material during root canal retreatment.
Methods: The root canals of forty-five human extracted mandibular central incisors were cleaned and shaped to a size 40 and filled with gutta-percha and sealer using a lateral compaction technique. The teeth were divided into 3 groups. The filling material was removed with hand files, Mtwo R and Reciproc, respectively. The debris extruded out of the apical foramen was collected and weighted. The working time was recorded. Then the teeth were split longitudinally, observed under microscope, and evaluated. The data were statistically analyzed with SPSS 13.0 software package.
Results: There was no significant difference among 3 groups for debris extrusion (P>0.05). Removal of filling material with Mtwo R and Reciproc consumed less time (P<0.05).
Conclutions: NiTi retreatment instruments can not remove all filling material during root canal retreatment, but can reduce working time.