Torsional properties of the Canal Master instrument

The torsional properties of a new type of endodontic hand instrument, the Canal Master, were compared with conventional machined K-type endodontic files. Sizes 20 through 50 were tested in clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) directions. Canal Master instruments exhibited significantly less torque at yield and at failure in both the CW and CCW directions. Rotation at failure was significantly greater for the Canal Master instruments in both CW and CCW directions. There was no significant difference in either torque or the amount of rotation for the Canal Master instruments when comparing CW versus CCW rotation. There was no clinically visible evidence of deformation of the Canal Master instruments prior to torsional failure.