Shaping ability of ProTaper NEXT, ProTaper Universal and iRace files in simulated S-shaped canals

The aim of this study was to determine the shaping ability of three nickel-titanium endodontic file systems by comparing three parameters: canal deviation, apical foramen position and instrumentation time. A glide path was established in 30 simulated S-shaped canal blocks that were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 10): ProTaper Universal, ProTaper NEXT and iRace. Each group was instrumented per its manufacturer's directions. Pre- and postoperative images were superimposed to determine any canal deviation or change in apical foramen position. The instrumentation times were recorded. The iRace system resulted in the least mean canal deviation. The apical foramen position was least shifted by the iRace system. The iRace system also required the least instrumentation time. The iRace system demonstrated the most favourable shaping ability in all three parameters.