Comparative evaluation of the incidence of root microcracks observed within the canal wall after canal preparation using different rotary and reciprocating instruments

Introduction: Root microcracks may occur as a result of use of rotary cleaning and shaping instruments. It may be affected by the type and design of the rotary file system used to shape the root canal system. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of root microcracks observed within the canal wall after canal preparation using different rotary and reciprocating instruments. Materials and Method: Fifty extracted single rooted anterior teeth were randomly assigned to 5 groups (N=10 teeth per group). The root canal preparation was done using TF Adaptive systems in Group 2, ProTaper Next in Group 3, WaveOne in Group 4 and Reciproc in Group 5. No instrumentation was done in Group 1. All the roots were horizontally sectioned 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex and then viewed through a stereomicroscope at x25 magnification. Results: The control group had no cracks, and the difference between the control group and the experimental groups was statistically significant (p <0>significantly lower number of cracks than Group 2. Conclusion:All tested groups caused significantly more dentinal defect compared to the unprepared groups.