Standardization of Variable Taper Files and Corresponding Gutta-Percha Cones Amongst Manufacturers.

Introduction: Currently there is no standardization of variable taper endodontic files and corresponding gutta-percha (GP) cones. The aim of this study was to evaluate intramanufacturer and intermanufacturer variability of diameter and taper in the apical third of GP master cones and finishing files from 3 commercially available variable taper endodontic systems.

Methods: Diameter measurements were recorded using digital microscopy at 1-mm increments (D1-D4) for F2 files and corresponding GP cones (n = 20 per system) from ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Johnson City, TN), EdgeTaper Platinum (EdgeEndo, Albuquerque, NM), and ExactTaper H (SS White, Lakewood, NJ).