Canal Transportation and Centering after Using PathFile and R-Pilot in Mesiobuccal Canals of Maxillary Molars Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the changes in root canal anatomy following the use of PathFile and R-Pilot using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods And Materials: In this , experimental study, 60 extracted maxillary first and second molars with 20 to 40 mesiobuccal root curvature, minimum of 19 mm of root length, no calcified root canals and no history of previous treatment were divided into two groups (=30). CBCT scans were taken before and after the treatment, and sections at 1, 2 and 3 mm from the apex were compared. Pairwise comparisons were carried out using the Mann Whitney-U test. The centering ratio data were analyzed using the -square test and Fisher's exact test. All statistical analyses were carried out using Sigma Stat 4 software.

Results: The difference between PathFile and R-Pilot in canal transportation in mesiodistal direction was significant at 1 and 2 mm from the apex (<0.01). The R-Pilot file was significantly superior to PathFile in centering ability in mesiodistal direction at 1 mm from the apex (<0.05). Canal transportation direction was towards the mesiolingual and distobuccal in R-Pilot and PathFile groups, respectively.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the results showed that R-Pilot with reciprocal movement is a safe and easy to use instrument for creating a glide path.