(PO60) Comparison of Intramanufacturer Diameter Variability of Rotary Files and Their Corresponding Gutta Percha Cones

Abstract: Endodontic file and corresponding gutta percha cone size variation can result in difficulty fitting a master cone, which can affect the success of the root canal treatment. This study is designed to evaluate the diameter accuracy of endodontic rotary files and their manufacturer’s corresponding gutta-percha cones. Ten of each size 35–0.04 taper rotary files and their corresponding gutta-percha from three different manufacturers were photographed under magnification, and their diameters at two constant points were analyzed with ImageJ software. Furthermore, the insertion of gutta-percha points into instrumented acrylic blocks was documented and analyzed using the same method as described above. There was a significant difference between the mean diameter of rotary files and corresponding gutta percha at both 3 mm and 5 mm lengths from the apical end of Vortex Blue and EndoSequence, but there was no significant difference in the diameters for the ZenFlex file system. Vortex Blue has also demonstrated consistent apical insertion of gutta-percha, being within 0-1.2 mm short of the acrylic block’s apical foramen. On the opposite spectrum, EndoSequence and ZenFlex gutta-percha cones were consistently extruded beyond the set apical foramen in the acrylic blocks. Our findings demonstrate that manufacturers’ claims of precision in matching the files and gutta-percha cones may not always be valid. To achieve the best results, clinicians should use their clinical judgment and supporting radiographs to adapt the gutta-percha cones' length for adequate apical stop and obturation of the root canal system.