Root canal preparation using S5, Mtwo, and ProTaper Universal nickel-titanium systems: a comparative ex-vivo study

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) systems are widely used for root canal preparation.
• Evaluating the performance of different NiTi systems is crucial for optimizing endodontic treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of three NiTi rotary systems: S5, Mtwo, and ProTaper Universal (PTU).
• To assess parameters including canal straightening, cross-sectional changes, procedural safety, cleanliness, and working time.

Main Methods:

• One hundred twenty curved root canals were prepared to size 30 using S5, Mtwo, or PTU systems.
• Parameters evaluated included maintenance of curvature, canal cross-section changes, procedural incidents, debris removal, smear layer removal, and working time.
• Statistical analysis involved Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, and ANOVA.

Main Results:

• All three systems demonstrated good maintenance of canal curvature without significant differences.
• No significant differences in cross-sectional changes were observed across the root canal thirds.
• Mtwo exhibited the shortest mean working time (293 seconds) compared to S5 (329 seconds) and PTU (369 seconds).
• Procedural incidents occurred with all systems (S5: 2, Mtwo: 1, PTU: 3).
• Debris and smear layer removal scores were not significantly different among the groups, with none achieving complete removal.

Conclusions:

• S5, Mtwo, and PTU systems are safe and effective in maintaining root canal curvature during preparation.
• Complete removal of debris and smear layer was not achieved by any of the tested systems.
• Mtwo offered a significantly shorter working time compared to S5 and PTU.