This study compared the shaping ability of nickel-titanium rotary files with different rake angle and radial land.

The nickel-titanium files used in this study were Profile(Dentsply, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Hero 642(Micromega, Besancon, France), and K3(SybronEndo, Glendora, Ca, USA) file. Resin blocks substituted for root canals. 36 resin blocks were divided into 3 groups with 12 canals each. The time for canal preparation was recorded. The images of pre- and postoperative resin canal were scanned and those were superimposed. Amounts of canal deviation, total canal widths, inner canal widths, and outer canal widths were measured at apical 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7mm levels.

The amount of canal deviation was the smallest in Profile group, and the time for canal preparation was the shortest in Hero 642 group. K3 group resulted in competent characteristics in both measurements. Positive rake angle seemed to result in fast shaping of root canal and radial land guide the instrument in center of the canals and around curvatures. Radial land also tended to reduce the sense of screwing into the root canal.

The proper selection of the nickel-titanium file based on the knowledge about file design is needed for the safer, simpler and faster root canal therapy.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effects of root canal debridement following rotary Ni-Ti instruments with positive versus negative rake angle. Seventy sound, extracted human anterior teeth & premolars were randomly divided into four groups. The used rotary instruments were Ni-Ti HERO 642(Micro-Mega in France, 20 specimen), Ni-Ti ProFile(Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland, 20 specimen), stainless steel engine reamer(Mani, Matsutani Seisakusho Co.,Japan, 20 specimen) and negative control group(10 specimen) was only extirpated with barbed broach(Mani, Matsutani Seisakusho Co.,Japan)

Group 1 & 2 teeth were prepared to a #40 at the apex followed by 1 mm using crown-down technique. Group 3 teeth were instrumented from a #15 to a #40 in sequential order. After preparation and final irrigation, the roots split longitudinally into a bucco-lingual direction. Root halves were cross-sectioned in apical third portion again. all root specimens were prepared for SEM investigation & photographed. Separate evaluations were undertaken for smear layer on prepared walls with a five score-index for each using reference photograph in root halves. the penetration depth of smear layer into dentinal tubules was also estimated in the other halves. the following results were obtained :

1. Smear layer was observed on all the prepared walls with three experimental groups except negative control group

2. Smear layer characteristics

1) HERO 642 groups showed snowy & dusty appearance & were observed only few some dentinal tubuli open on the prepared walls, and the penetration depth of it into dentinal tubules may be 1-2 µm thick.

2) ProFile groups showed shiny & burnished appearance & complete root canal wall covered by a homogenous smear layer with no open dentinal tubuli and penetration depth of it into dentinal tubules may be 1-2 µm thick.

3) Engine reamer groups showed obviously file's passed tracks on the prepared walls & were observed complete root canal wall covered by a homogenous smear layer with no open dentinal tubuli.

The results revealed that a completely clean root canal could not be achieved regardless of positive & negative rake angle, which is in accordance with the majority of studies on root canal cleanliness.

In conclusion, throughout irrigation with antibacterial solutions or chelating agents is recommended to remove the smear layer on prepared canal walls.