Comparison of the torsional fatigue resistance of PathFile nickel-titanium files with other small 0.02 mm taper files

Nicholas D. Schulte, Timothy C. Kirkpatrick, John M. Yaccino, Jon M. Dossett

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the torsional fracture resistance of the following 0.02 mm taper files: PathFile size #13, #16, and #19, ProFile size #15 and #20, K3 size #15 and #20, Quantec LX size #15 and #20, and Liberator size #15 and #20. Methods: Eleven groups of files with 20 samples in each group were tested. The files were secured in the chucks of a torsiometer and rotated until fracture occurred. The maximum torque and degrees of rotation before fracture were recorded. Files of similar tip size were compared with one another for significant differences. One way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test were used to identify statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences between the groups. Results: The Liberator size #15 and #20 separated at significantly lower torque than all other similar sized files, while the PathFile size #16 separated at significantly higher torque than the size #15 files to which it was compared. Conclusion: The torsional fatigue resistance of PathFiles were better when compared to other small tip size #0.02 taper files.

Keywords: Endodontics. Fatigue. Rotary drilling

How to cite: Schulte ND, Kirkpatrick TC, Yaccino JM, Dossett JM. Comparison of the torsional fatigue resistance of PathFile nickel-titanium files with other small 0.02 mm taper files. Dental Press Endod. 2013 Jan-Apr;3(1):49-53.

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