Micro-computed tomography evaluation of ProTaper next and BioRace shaping outcomes in maxillary first molar curved canals

Introduction The aim of this micro-computed tomography study was to describe the shaping properties of ProGlider/ProTaper Next (PG/PTN) and ScoutRace/BioRace (SR/BR) nickel-titanium rotary systems. Methods Thirty maxillary first permanent molars were selected. Mesiobuccal canals were randomly assigned (n = 15) to PG/PTN or SR/BR groups. Irrigation was performed with 5% NaOCl and 10% EDTA. Specimens were scanned (voxel size, 9.1 μm) for matching volumes and surface areas and post-treatment analyses. Root canal centering ability, canal geometry enlargement, and thickness of dentinal wall at inner curvature were assessed at apical level and point of maximum curvature. Results were analyzed with 4 one-way analyses of variance. Results Canal centering ability was superior in PG/PTN (P =.006 at apical level, P =.025 at point of maximum curvature). PG/PTN demonstrated a more conservative increase of canal areas (P =.027 at apical level, P =.038 at point of maximum curvature). Centrifugal increase in canal diameters did not significantly differ between groups (P =.65 at apical level, P =.61 at point of maximum curvature). Inner dentinal wall thickness was less reduced with PG/PTN compared with SR/BR, with no statistical differences (P =.23 at point of maximum curvature, P =.89 at apical level). PG/PTN shaping taper ranged between 6% and 7%. Conclusions Neither system produced significant shaping errors in curved canals. PG/PTN system showed better preservation of canal anatomy. PTN offset section did not influence final preparation taper.