Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
Adjunctive Diode Laser Therapy and Probiotic Lactobacillus Therapy in the Treatment of Periodontitis and Peri-Implant Disease
Published on: May 9, 2022
Randomized clinical trial comparing bacterial reduction in primarily infected root canals using ProTaper Ultimate and
Supriya Kumari1, Rashmi Nuchin Chidanandappa1, Sophia Thakur1
1Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Health Sciences, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
Background:
The successful outcome of endodontic therapy relies on effective debridement and disinfection of the root canal system. Mechanical instrumentation, with irrigation, remains the cornerstone for reducing microbial load within the complex root canals. ProTaper Ultimate is a recently introduced file system that promises effective bacterial load reduction from the root canal.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to compare the bacterial load reduction from primarily infected root canals using two rotary file systems, ProTaper Ultimate and ProTaper Next.
Methods:
Twenty-eight mandibular premolars with a single root and canal with necrotic pulp and asymptomatic apical periodontitis, requiring endodontic treatment, were selected and divided into two groups: Group A (ProTaper Ultimate), Group B (ProTaper Next). Cleaning and shaping of the canal was done in both the groups using 2.5% sodium hypochlorite as an irrigant. Colony-forming units measurements were used to assess the overall bacterial reduction (both aerobic and anaerobic) before and after instrumentation and the difference was calculated.
Statistical Analysis:
The normality of data distribution was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Intragroup comparison was done using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and intergroup comparison using Mann-Whitney U test.
Results:
There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between Group A (ProTaper Ultimate), Group B (ProTaper Next) in the reduction of bacterial load. However, in the intragroup comparison, there was a statistical difference in bacterial load reduction before and after instrumentation (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
ProTaper Ultimate is equally effective in reducing overall bacterial load as ProTaper Next in primarily infected root canals.
