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Published on: March 7, 2018
Cyclic Fatigue Resistance, Macroscopic, Microscopic, and Elemental Analysis of Three Reciprocating Systems
Pamela Capcha-Duymovich1,2, María Percca-Condo1,2, Jean Carlo Villar-Zapata1,2
1Section of Endodontics, Cayetano Heredia Peruvian University-UPCH, Lima, Peru.
Iranian Endodontic Journal
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Roll Wave Blue (RWB) demonstrated superior cyclic fatigue resistance compared to WaveOne Gold (WOG) and TF4 Gold (TF4) endodontic systems. Differences in design and heat treatment likely influenced performance, despite similar elemental compositions.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Reciprocating endodontic systems are widely used.
- Understanding their cyclic fatigue resistance and material characteristics is crucial for clinical success.
- Variations in design, alloy, and heat treatment may affect instrument performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of three reciprocating endodontic systems: WaveOne Gold (WOG), Roll Wave Blue (RWB), and TF4 Gold (TF4).
- To evaluate the macroscopic, microscopic, and elemental characteristics of these systems after cyclic fatigue testing.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro experimental study involving 60 instruments (n=20 per group).
- Cyclic fatigue resistance assessed using a custom device measuring fracture time (FT) and number of cycles to fracture (NCF).
- Macroscopic analysis (pitch, cutting edges), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface/cross-section features, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for elemental composition.
Main Results:
- Roll Wave Blue (RWB) exhibited significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance (FT and NCF).
- Significant differences were observed in pitch and its distribution among the systems.
- SEM revealed greater cutting-edge wear on TF4 and tip deformation on WOG; EDX showed no significant elemental differences.
Conclusions:
- RWB demonstrated superior cyclic fatigue resistance among the tested systems.
- While elemental compositions were similar, differences in design, alloy, and heat treatment likely account for performance variations.
- These findings provide insights into the mechanical behavior and potential clinical implications of different reciprocating endodontic instruments.
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