Modeling Capacity of Stainless Steel and Nickel-Titanium ENDOflash Files in Simulated Root Canals

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the transportation of simulated root canals caused by Flash stainless steel rotary files compared to Flash nickel-titanium rotary files activated by the ENDOflash system (Kavo, Biberach, Germany). Methods: twenty simulated root canals with a 30° curvate were randomly divided into two groups. The artificial canals were filled with India ink, scanned with a table scanner (Genius, Taiwan) and the image stored in a computer. In group I the simulated root canals were instrumented with stainless stell files and in group II the simulated root canals were prepared with nickel-titanium ENDOflash files, both according to manufacturers’ instructions. After instrumentation, canals were scanned again and the images superimposed. Results: comparison between the simulated root canals before and after instrumentation showed significant differences (p<0.05) between groups, with greater transportation observed with stainless steel ENDOflash files. One case of deformation was observed with nickel-titanium ENDOflash instrument and there were no fractures. Conclusions: the new nickel-titanium ENDOflash files presented lower transportation in simulated root canals.