Evaluation of Root Canal Transportation, Centering Ratio, and Remaining Dentin Thickness Associated with Pro Taper Next Instruments with and without Glide Path

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the volume of removed dentin, transportation, and centering ability of Pro Taper Next (PIN) system with and without glide path preparation by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Methods: Sixty mesiobuccal canals of mandibular first molars with curvatures of 25 degrees-35 degrees were divided into 3 experimental groups (n = 20) according to the instrumentation technique as follows: group PG/PTN (glide path was created with Pro Glider [PG]) and canals were shaped with PIN system), group PF/PTN (glide path was created with Path-File [PF]) and canals were shaped with PIN system), and group PIN (glide path was not performed and canals were shaped with PIN system only). Canals were scanned before and after instrumentation by using CBCT scanner to evaluate root canal transportation and centering ratio at 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apex and volumetric changes. Data were statistically analyzed, and the significance level was set at P < .05. Results: There was no significant difference among the tested groups regarding the volume of removed dentin and centering ratio (P > .05). At 3-mm and 5-mm levels, the PG/PIN group showed a significantly lower mean transportation value among the groups (P < .05). However, at 7-mm level, there was no significant difference in canal transportation among the groups (P > .05). Conclusions: PG/PIN instrumentation method revealed better performance with fewer canal aberrations when compared with instrumentation performed with PF/PTN or PIN only.