Comparative Evaluation of Fracture Resistance, Deformation and Patency Efficiency of Reciprocating and Rotary Glide Path Files: An In vitro Study

Aims: To evaluate the performance of reciprocating and rotary Glide Path files in human permanent mandibular molars, focusing on instrument fracture, deformation, and patency rates. Study Design: The study was a comparative analysis conducted to evaluate the incidence of instrument failure and the success rates in reaching working length using different file systems. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted on human permanent mandibular molars at the University of Fortaleza, from January 2024 to June 2024. Methodology: A total of 150 human permanent mandibular molars were selected and randomly assigned into three groups (n=50). The groups were treated with R-Pilot®, Wave One Gold Glider®, and ProDesign Logic® 15.03 files. Instrument fracture and deformation rates were recorded, and the percentage of Glide Path instruments that reached the working length was noted. Data were managed and analyzed using Excel and statistical analyses were performed using Stata 10 software. Results: The Wave One Gold Glider® group exhibited the highest incidence of fractures and deformations, with only 4 intact files at the conclusion of the study, showing statistically worse results compared to the other file systems. No significant differences were found between the R-Pilot® and ProDesign Logic® groups. The mesiobuccal root canals had the highest failure rate in achieving foraminal patency, with 24 canals not reaching patency. Conversely, the mesiolingual root canals were the most successful, achieving initial exploration in 102 canals. Conclusion: The reciprocating system Wave One Gold Glider® did not show superiority over the rotary system Pro Design Logic® under the conditions tested. The findings also highlight the high patency rates achieved by Glide Path files and the differences in performance between the various systems tested. The Glide Path files demonstrated high patency rates, ranging from 81% to 88%.