Evaluation of root canal transportation, centering ratio, and remaining dentin thickness of TRUShape and ProTaper Next systems in curved root canals using micro-computed tomography

Objective: To evaluate and compare the volume of removed dentin, transportation, and centering ability of TRUShape (TRS; Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties) system with ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer) by using micro-computed tomography (µCT). Method and Materials: Twenty extracted human mandibular first molars with two separate mesial canals with curvatures of 25 to 35 degrees were divided into two experimental groups (n = 20) according to the rotary nickel-titanium file system used in canal instrumentation as follows: group TRS and group PTN. Canals were scanned before and after instrumentation using µCT to evaluate root canal transportation, centering ratio, and volumetric changes. Data of canal transportation and centering ratio values were analyzed using independent t test. Volume changes data were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney test. Statistical significance level was set at P .05. Results: The PTN group had a significantly lower mean volume of removed dentin (2.09 ± 0.41 mm3) than the TRS group (2.77 ± 0.72 mm3) (P .05). At the coronal level, there was no significant difference in canal transportation (P = .170) and centering ratio (P = .111) between TRS and PTN groups. However, at the apical and middle levels, the PTN group had a significantly lower mean transportation value and higher centering ratio than the TRS group (P .05). Conclusion: Root canal preparation with the PTN system revealed better performance with fewer canal aberrations than the TRS system in curved root canals. Keywords: centering ratio, micro-computed tomography, ProTaper Next, root canal volume, transportation, TRUShape