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Evaluation of Root Canal Cleaning and Shaping Efficacy of Three Engine-driven Instruments: SafeSider, ProTaper
Ronald Wigler1, Tal Koren2, Igor Tsesis2
1Endodontic Specialist, Department of Endodontology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, Phone: +972 52 8305855
Aim:
To compare the cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability of SafeSider, ProTaper Universal and Lightspeed rotary instruments during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted human teeth.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 63 roots with curved root canals were divided into three groups. Canals were prepared using SafeSider, ProTaper Universal or Lightspeed LSX. Using pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures and loss of working length were determined with a computer image analysis program. The amounts of debris at the apical 5 mm were quantified on the basis of a numerical evaluation scale. The data were analyzed statistically using the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results:
There was significantly more transportation among the Lightspeed LSX group compared to the SafeSider and ProTaper Universal groups only at the 4 mm level (p < 0.05). The ProTaper Universal instruments performed significantly faster than other groups. No significant differences were observed between the three engine-driven instruments with regards to debris removal.
Conclusion:
SafeSider, ProTaper Universal and Lightspeed LSX rotary instruments maintained the original canal curvature well at the apical 3 mm and were safe to use. No difference was found in cleaning efficacy and none rendered the apical part of the canal free of debris.
Clinical Significance:
SafeSider, ProTaper Universal and Lightspeed LSX rotary instruments are safe to use in curved root canals.

