COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACY BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT MOTIONS OF ENGINE DRIVEN GLIDE PATH NICKEL TITANIUM FILES IN MANDIBULAR MOLAR MESIAL CANALS WITHOUT USING MANUAL GLIDE PATH (AN IN VITRO STUDY)

Background: Reducing the glide path preparation time and minimizing iatrogenic errors are a clinical demand in endodontic practice. Aim: To compare the performance of Edge path nickel-titanium rotary files, Edge one fire nickel- titanium reciprocating files and stainless-steel K-files regarding glide path preparation time, ability to reach the full working length and incidence of file separation in mandibular molar mesial canals. Materials and Methods: Thirty mandibular molars with type IV Vertucci mesial canals were selected. After access opening, mesial canals were randomly assigned to 3 equal groups (n=20 each): glide path preparation by Edge path rotary files (group I), glide path preparation by Edge one fire reciprocating files (group II), glide path preparation by manual files (group 3). Time of glide path preparation, ability to reach the full working length and incidence of file separation were recorded. Results: The continuous rotation glide path files showed the least mean preparation time without a significant difference compared to the glide path reciprocating files (P = 0.672), while both files showed a significant difference compared to manual files (P < 0.001). The ability to reach the full working length and the incidence of file separation did not significantly differ between the three groups (P=0.524). Conclusion: Glide path could be prepared using only engine driven nickel titanium rotary and reciprocating files with significantly less preparation time, comparable ability to reach the full working length, and similar incidence of file separation compared to manual glide path in mandibular molar mesial canals.