Comparison of dentine removal using V-taper and K-Flexofile instruments

Akhlaghi NM, Kahali R, Abtahi A, Tabatabaee S, Mehrvarzfar P, Parirokh M. Comparison of dentine removal using V‐taper and K‐Flexofile instruments. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 1029–1036, 2010. Aim To compare the dentine removal ability of V‐Taper and K‐Flexofile instruments in mesiobuccal canals of extracted mandibular first molar teeth. Methodology Preoperative images of 40 mesiobuccal canals of mandibular first molars (with a curvature between 20° and 35°) were obtained at 2, 4.5, and 7 mm from the root apices by CT‐scan and divided into two groups. Group F was prepared with K‐Flexofiles and Gates Glidden drills and Group V with V‐Taper Ni–Ti rotary and stainless steel hand instruments. Post‐instrumentation images were then obtained and compared with the preoperative images. The ratio of dentine removal based on pre‐ and postoperative images was calculated, and data was analysed by anova and Tukey post hoc test. Results In group F in the coronal sections, the least ratio of the dentine removal to the initial root thickness was on the buccal aspect (15.14% ± 6.72), and the greatest ratio was found on the distolingual (29.38% ± 8.19). In group V in the coronal, the least ratio of the dentine removal to the initial root thickness was on the buccal aspect (9.81% ± 3.26); the greatest ratio was found on the distolingual surface in the coronal sections (34.38% ± 10.51). In the middle sections, the least ratio was on the buccal (10.51% ± 3.39) and the greatest on the distolingual aspects (27.46% ± 12.34) of the roots. In the apical sections, the amount of the dentine removed from the mesial and distal surfaces in group V was significantly more than group F (P