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Shaping canals with ProFiles and K3 instruments: does operator experience matter?
M A Al-Omari1, Tais Aurich, Schyla Wirtti
1Department of Conservative Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. omari@just.edu.jo
Summary
Operator experience significantly impacts root canal shaping with nickel-titanium rotary instruments. Experienced operators using K3 instruments were faster and safer, while both groups performed well with ProFile instruments.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments are widely used in endodontic therapy.
- Operator experience is a critical factor in achieving successful root canal preparation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of operator experience on the shaping ability of ProFile and K3 NiTi rotary instruments.
- To compare the efficiency and safety of two different NiTi rotary instrument systems based on operator expertise.
Main Methods:
- 160 simulated root canals with varying curvatures were prepared by experienced and inexperienced operators.
- A crown-down technique was employed using ProFile or K3 .06 taper instruments.
- Pre- and post-preparation images were analyzed to assess canal shaping, material removal, and procedural errors.
Main Results:
- K3 instruments were faster (4.9 min) than ProFile instruments (6.0 min).
- Instrument deformation occurred more with inexperienced operators (4/4 K3), while ProFile had more fractures (4/6).
- Significant differences in canal transportation were observed based on instrument type and operator experience.
Conclusions:
- Experienced operators demonstrated superior speed and safety with K3 instruments.
- Both experienced and inexperienced operators showed safe and efficient use of ProFile instruments.
- Inexperienced operators may benefit from training with less aggressive instruments before progressing to other designs.
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