Comparative analysis of debris accumulation with rotary and reciprocating file systems using microcomputed tomography: A systematic review

Aim: Debris accumulation is a very common and inevitable consequence of the biomechanical preparation step of root canal treatment and is believed to interfere with success of endodontic treatment. The aim of the current review is to evaluate the amount of debris accumulation between rotary and reciprocating systems assessed using Microcomputed Tomography. Methods: Search was performed in PUBMED, Scopus, EBSCO host and Google Scholar databases until December 2023. The review methodology was enrolled on Open Science Framework platform. The risk of bias assessment was done using QUIN tool. Results: A total of 7 studies (n = 7) comparing rotary and reciprocating systems for debris accumulation using Microcomputed tomography scans with sample size ranging from 24 to 54 were included were included in the review. Five studies concluded similar debris accumulation for rotary and reciprocating systems. However two studies concluded that the amount of debris accumulation was more for reciprocating systems when compared with their rotary counterpart. All the studies included in the review had medium risk of bias. Meta analysis could not be performed for the present review due to differences in levels of outcome assessment i.e cervical, middle or apical thirds or combination of two or more levels, the file systems used and lack of standardization for preparation sizes. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the review, it is inferred that the quantity of debris accumulated in canal systems does not differ between rotary and reciprocating systems.