Comparative Evaluation of the Canal Shaping Ability of F6 SkyTaper, Navigator EVO and One Shape File Systems in Preparation of Curved Root Canals using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Introduction: Knowledge on shaping ability of advanced Nickel Titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments holds a great significance in the field of endodontics. Root canal shaping systems should maintain the original canal anatomy and thereby, reduce the risk of iatrogenic errors. Aim: To compare and evaluate the canal transportation, centering ability and time taken for preparation of curved root canals after instrumentation with F6 SkyTaper, Navigator EVO and One Shape file systems using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging. Materials and Methods: This was an in vitro study conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, I.T.S Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India in July 2020. Thirty mesiobuccal canals of extracted mandibular molars with an angle of curvature between 20 to 40 degrees were selected and divided into three groups (n=10 into each group): F6 SkyTaper (group I), Navigator Evo (group II) and One Shape (group III). Canals were biomechanically prepared till size 30/6%; scanned using CBCT, before and after instrumentation to evaluate shaping ability at 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm and 9 mm from the apex. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc test with level of significance set at p-value <0.05. Results: Out of three file systems selected, Navigator EVO showed significantly least canal transportation (0.222) (p-value <0.05) and highest centering ability (0.535) as compared to F6 SkyTaper and One Shape. Overall, F6 SkyTaper and One Shape showed comparable results with respect to canal transportation and centering ability. The F6 Skytaper showed the fastest preparation (75.72 sec) of canals while Navigator EVO took the maximum time (307.046 sec). Conclusion: Navigator EVO showed superior shaping ability in curved canals than single file systems, although the time taken was the least with F6 SkyTaper.