Abstract
Introduction
This study aims to compare the design, metallurgy, microhardness, and mechanical properties
of 3 glide path nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments.
Methods
A total of 132 ProGlider (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Edge Glide Path
(EdgeEndo, Johnson City, TN), and R-Pilot instruments (VDW, Munich, Germany) (44 per
group) were selected. Design was assessed through stereomicroscopy (blades, helical
angle, measuring lines, and deformation) and scanning electron microscopy (symmetry,
cross section, tip, and surface finishing). NiTi ratios were measured by energy-dispersive
X-ray spectroscopy and phase transformation temperatures by differential scanning
calorimetry. Microhardness and mechanical performance (torsion, bending, and buckling
resistance tests) were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed with the
Mood median test with a significance set at 5%.
Results
The Edge Glide Path had the lowest number of blades and the R-Pilot the greatest helical
angle. All instruments had an almost equiatomic NiTi ratio, while showing different
cross sections and tip geometries. The Edge Glide Path had a smoother surface finishing.
The R-Pilot showed martensitic characteristics at room temperature, whereas mixed
austenite plus R-phase was observed in the other instruments. The R-Pilot had higher
results on the microhardness (436.8 hardness Vickers number), maximum torsion (0.9 Ncm), and buckling
load (0.7 N) tests (P < .05), whereas the Edge Glide Path had a superior angle of rotation (683.5°) and
the ProGlider was more flexible (144.1 gf) (P < .05).
Conclusions
Differences in the design of the instruments and the phase transformation temperatures
accounted for their mechanical behavior. The R-Pilot showed the highest torque, buckling,
and microhardness, whereas the ProGlider instrument was the most flexible.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 15, 2021
Identification
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© 2021 American Association of Endodontists.
