Influence of file motion on cyclic fatigue of new nickel titanium instruments.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the resistance to cyclic fatigue of Hyflex® (Coltene-Whaledent, Allstatten, Switzerland) size 40 taper.04 nickel titanium instruments used in continuous rotation versus the use with a reciprocating motion. The null hypothesis was that different file motions had no influence on the lifetime of instruments subjected to a cyclic fatigue test. METHODOLOGY: 24 Hyflex® size 40 taper.04 nickel titanium instruments were randomly divided in two groups (n=12 each), and submitted to a cyclic fatigue test. The first group (CR group) were used with a continuous rotation, while the second one (RCP group) with a reciprocating motion. The cyclic fatigue tests were performed by using a stainless steel block containing an artificial canal shaped with a 135° angle. All instruments were rotated or reciprocated until fracture occurred. The time to fracture was recorded visually with a 1/100 second chronometer. Data were recorded and statistically analysed. RESULTS: Results indicated that instruments used with a reciprocating motion showed a significant increase in the meantime to failure when compared to those used in continuous rotation. CONCLUSIONS: The null hypothesis was rejected. Results of the present study showed that reciprocating motion extended resistance to cyclic fatigue of the tested nickel titanium instruments, when compared to continuous rotation.