Fitness of Gutta-percha Cones in Curved Root Canals Prepared with Reciprocating Files Correlated with Tug-back Sensation

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gutta-percha–occupied area (GPOA) and the relationship between GPOA and tug-back sensations in canals instrumented with reciprocating files. Methods Twenty curved canals were instrumented using Reciproc R25 (VDW, Munich, Germany) (group R) and WaveOne Primary (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) (group W), respectively ( n = 10 each). The presence or absence of a tug-back sensation was decided for both of #25/.08 and #30/.06 cones in every canal. The percentage of GPOA at 1-, 2-, and 3-mm levels from the working length was calculated using micro–computed tomographic imaging. The correlation between the sum of the GPOA and the presence of a tug-back sensation was also investigated. The data were analyzed statistically at P = .05. Results A tug-back sensation was present in 45% and 100% canals for #25/.08 and #30/.06 cones, respectively, with a significant difference ( P