COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ROOT CANAL INSTRUMENTATION: MANUAL VERSUS ROTARY TECHNIQUES

Aim of the study The purpose of this study was to compare the final morphological characteristics of root canal preparations in extracted single-rooted teeth, using manual versus rotary instrumentation techniques. Materials and methods An in vitro study was conducted on 40 extracted single-rooted permanent teeth. Twenty teeth were instrumented manually using stainless steel Kerr files, and twenty were prepared with the ProTaper Universal rotary system. After instrumentation, all teeth were longitudinally sectioned and examined under a stereomicroscope to assess canal wall morphology, surface texture, and taper shape. Results Rotary instrumentation demonstrated superior shaping ability, producing canals with smoother internal surfaces, straight and regular wall profiles, and uniform conical tapering. In contrast, canals prepared manually exhibited rough, irregular walls and inconsistent taper, particularly in the coronal and middle thirds. The apical third was better preserved in both groups but remained more refined in the rotary group. Conclusions Rotary instrumentation provided better control, cleanliness, and shaping precision compared to manual techniques. These findings support the routine integration of rotary systems in endodontic practice for improved clinical outcomes.