Evaluation of Canal Transportation and Centering Ability of Safesider and K-Flexofile: Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

Maintaining the original geometry of canal is an important parameter in successful root canal treatment. The aim of this original study was evaluation of apical root canal transportation and centering ability of SafeSider and K-Flexofile using cone beam computed tomography.

Mesiobuccal root canals of maxillary first molars, with 20-40° curvature, were selected and randomly divided into two groups (n=20). The first group was prepared with K-Flexofile with passive step-back technique and the second group was prepared with SafeSider system. Canal transportation and centering ability was measured using pre- and post-operative CBCT images of the apical 4 mm of the roots taken at 1 mm intervals. Repeated measure ANOVA and Independent T-test were performed to compare data.

The reciprocating SafeSider system transported root canals significantly more than K-Flexofile in the apical 2 mm level and mesiodistal direction (P = 0.006). Centering ability of K-Flexofile in the apical 1 mm level and buccolingual direction was significantly better than SafeSider system (P =0.003).

Manual preparation with K-Flexofile was better capable of maintaining the original geometry of canal and showed better centering ability and less apical root canal transportation than SafeSider system.