Analysis of forces developed during mechanical preparation of extracted teeth using RaCe rotary instruments and ProFiles.

Aim: To compare the torque and load during instrumentation with ProFile and RaCe nickel-titanium rotary instruments.

Methodology: Thirty human incisor roots 12 mm in length were embedded in epoxy resin, and divided into three groups of 10 specimens each. Instruments employed in each group were as follows: RaCe .02 Step Back Files in group 1; RaCe .04 Step Back Files in group 2; and .04 ProFiles in group 3. Two load cells, whose outputs were connected to a digital oscilloscope, recorded torque and vertical load. Data were analysed by one-way anova.

Results: Torque values were statistically different between groups 1 and 3, and between groups 2 and 3 (torque was higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2). Vertical loads were statistically higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2.

Conclusions: Torsional and vertical forces can be evaluated during instrumentation of straight root canals using the device and methods described in this study. When the step-back technique was employed, torque and vertical load obtained with RaCe instruments were lower than that obtained with ProFiles.