Root Canal Area Increase Promoted by the EndoSequence and ProTaper Systems: Comparison by Computed Tomography

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare the increase of the root canal area after instrumentation with EndoSequence or ProTaper rotary systems.MethodsTwenty-two mesial root canals from mandibular molars were instrumented. Teeth were mounted on a base, numbered, and divided into 2 groups; teeth from 1–11 (PT group) were instrumented by using the ProTaper system, and teeth from 12–22 (ES group) were instrumented by using the EndoSequence system. Cone beam computed tomography was performed on all teeth before and after instrumentation. Measurements at 3, 5, and 7 mm as well as differences in instrument performance were statistically compared by the Student t test at 5% significance level.ResultsBoth systems increased significantly the root canal area (P < .05) at all levels. Comparison between the rotary systems showed significantly greater increase (P < .05) for EndoSequence at 3 mm, with no statistically significant difference (P < .05) at the other levels.ConclusionsBoth rotary systems increased significantly the root canal area.