Cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of a new rotary file on a rotary and reciprocating motion

This study evaluated the cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of a new nickel-titanium (Flat File 25.04) instrument on the continuous and reciprocating motion. Sixty instruments of the ProDesign Logic2 25.03 and 25.05 (Easy Equipamentos Odontologicos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil), and MK Flat File 25.04 (n = 20) (MK Life, Porto Alegre, Brazil) were used. For the cyclic fatigue test, an artificial stainless steel simulated canal with an angle of 60 degrees and a radius of curvature of 5 mm located 5 mm from its tip was used. The torque and rotation angle at the instruments' failure on the torsional fatigue test was based on the ISO 3630-1 protocol, in which the 3 mm tip of each instrument was fixed and connected to an electric motor and a load cell. The fractured surface of each fragment was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test with a significance level of 5%. Flat File 25.04 had lower cyclic fatigue in both kinematics than the Logic instruments (p <.05). Reciprocating motion improved the cyclic fatigue of the tested instruments (p <.05). Flat File 25.04 had similar torque to Logic2 25.05 (p >.05), and both were superior to Logic2 25.03 (p <.05). The angular deflection values were different for the three tested instruments (p <.05), in the decreasing order: Logic2 25.03, 25.05, and Flat File 25.04. Flat File presented good resistance to cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance. Reciprocating motion improved the cyclic fatigue resistance of the instruments and can be considered when using programmable motors. Research Highlights circle Scanning electron microscopy evaluation of different endodontic rotary file and fatigue resistance tests.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of a new nickel-titanium instrument. It found that the Flat File 25.04 had lower cyclic fatigue and reciprocating motion improved the cyclic fatigue resistance. The Flat File 25.04 also showed good resistance to torsional fatigue.