Intracanal separation of the rotary files is a serious concern in modern endodontic practice. The objective of this study was to compare the life span and fracture patterns of three NiTi rotary files in molar teeth.

Mesiobuccal roots of upper molar (n = 150) and mesial roots of lower molar (n = 150) were divided into three groups and each group was prepared with Profile, ProTaper, and K3 respectively. Every file was used until separation and/or deterioration of the cutting blade was happened, and then the number of canals to separation and/or unwinding were recorded. Radiographs and Scanning electon microscope (SEM) photographs were taken to evaluate the patterns of separation.

The results were as follows :

1. There were no significant differences in numbers of canals to separation and/or unwinding among the groups.

2. Comparing between flaring files, K3 showed significant lower numbers of canals to separation and/or unwinding (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between shaping files

3. Separations of instruments were occurred at the midpoint of curvatures within the canals.

4. In SEM observations, ductile fractures were seen in most of cases, characterized by shallow dimples.

Additional researches is needed to provide a new guideline that informs the appropriate number of times to use NiTi files.