Current Assessment of Reciprocation in Endodontic Preparation: A Comprehensive Review—Part II: Properties and Effectiveness

• Reciprocation extends the life span and does not reduce the cutting efficiency of the instruments.
• Reciprocating files have adequate shaping ability with reduced shaping time.
• The cleaning effectiveness of reciprocating files appears comparable with rotary systems.
• Dentin microcracks occur independently of the type of file and its kinematic.
• Reciprocating files is effective in removing the filling materials in less time.

IntroductionMany reciprocating file systems (RFs) have recently been introduced. This article reviews the properties, effectiveness, and clinical outcomes of the RFs.MethodsA PubMed electronic search was conducted by using appropriate key words to identify investigations on RFs. After retrieving the full-text relevant articles, the cross citations were also identified.ResultsThis review summarizes the mechanical properties, shaping ability, preservation of the root canal anatomy, shaping time, cleaning effectiveness, microcrack formation, bacterial reduction, extrusion of debris, and removal of root canal filling materials of RFs.ConclusionsThe favorable results of RFs indicate their potential application as viable alternatives to rotary file systems, yet no filing system is able to entirely prepare the dentin of canals, totally eliminate sessile and planktonic microorganisms, or remove the filling material completely from the root canal system.