(PR090) Comparison of Surface Roughness between Two Nickel-Titanium Reciprocating Endodontic Files

Objective: To evaluate and compare the changes in surface roughness of two different Ni-Ti endodontic reciprocating files before and after single operative use. Additionally, to assess the potential implications of surface roughness changes on clinical performance and file durability.

Methods: Twenty-four extracted teeth with confirmed single canals, as determined by digital radiographs, were selected. Twelve Red Komet files and twelve WaveOne Gold Primary files were used for single-use root canal preparation. Surface roughness (Ra) of each specimen was measured using ZeeScan software (GetPhase) before and after instrumentation. Three locations along the cutting edge were measured for each file, which often overlapped at measurement ends, and the average Ra was used in statistical analyses. Data was analyzed using paired t-tests, with a significance level set at 0.05.

Results: On average, the WaveOne file surface roughness increased -0.2609 µm before and after use, which was significant (p=0.02). The surface roughness of the Komet file was also significantly different before and after use, decreasing by 0.3361 µm on average p=0.01). Komet files had an average change in surface roughness 0.60 µm greater than the change for WaveOne files. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.0004)

Conclusion: Surface roughness changes significantly within and between file groups following use. WaveOne files exhibited a roughening effect, while Komet files became smoother after use. These findings suggest differences in design and material properties between the two file systems, potentially impacting clinical performance and file longevity.