Micro-Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Shaping Ability of Rotary and Manual ProTaper Ultimate, WaveOne Gold and TruNatomy in Moderately Curved Canals.

Abstract

This study compared the shaping ability of rotary ProTaper Ultimate (rPTUL), manual ProTaper Ultimate (mPTUL), WaveOne Gold (WOG) and TruNatomy (TRU) in moderately curved mandibular molar canals using micro-computed tomography. Forty roots (10°-30° curvature) were divided into four groups (n = 10). Pre- and post-instrumentation scans evaluated canal volume change, percentage of unprepared surface area, transportation and centreing ratios at 3, 5 and 7 mm from the apex. Results showed no significant differences in volumetric changes between rPTUL, mPTUL and WOG (p > 0.05); however, TRU removed significantly less dentine (p < 0.05). TRU also exhibited a significantly higher percentage of unprepared surface area compared to other groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in transportation or centreing ratios among all systems. While TRU best preserved dentine, it left more canal surface unprepared, mPTUL proved a practical alternative to engine-driven systems, with all files demonstrating safe performance.