Evaluation of Root Canal Cleaning and Shaping Efficacy of Three Engine-driven Instruments: SafeSider, ProTaper Universal and Lightspeed LSX

Aim: To compare the cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability of SafeSider, ProTaper Universal and Lightspeed rotary instruments during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted human teeth. Materials and methods: A total of 63 roots with curved root canals were divided into three groups. Canals were prepared using SafeSider, ProTaper Universal or Lightspeed LSX. Using preand post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures and loss of working length were determined with a computer image analysis program. The amounts of debris at the apical 5 mm were quantified on the basis of a numerical evaluation scale. The data were analyzed statistically using the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There was significantly more transportation among the Lightspeed LSX group compared to the SafeSider and ProTaper Universal groups only at the 4 mm level (p<0.05). The ProTaper Universal instruments performed significantly faster than other groups. No significant differences were observed between the three engine-driven instruments with regards to debris removal. Conclusion: SafeSider, ProTaper Universal and Lightspeed LSX rotary instruments maintained the original canal curvature well at the apical 3 mm and were safe to use. No difference was found in cleaning efficacy and none rendered the apical part of the canal free of debris. Clinical significance: SafeSider, ProTaper Universal and Lightspeed LSX rotary instruments are safe to use in curved root canals.