A Comparison of Preparation Times between Manual, Rotary, and Reciprocating Files in Primary Molar Pulpectomy

Abstract

Aim: To compare preparation times using manual, rotary, and reciprocating files during pulpectomy treatment of primary molars. Settings and Design: This study was an in vitro, randomised, cross‑sectional study. Methods: The study was performed on 60 extracted human primary mandibular second molars. Only mesiobuccal canals were prepared using one of three preparation techniques; each preparation technique group comprised 20 canals. Canal preparations were performed by a single, skilled operator using stainless‑steel (ss) K‑files (ISO size 20–35), a ProTaper Gold SX file, and a WaveOne Gold Medium file following glide path preparation. Preparation times were recorded in second (s) with a digital stopwatch. Statistical Analysis: Preparation times were compared using analysis of variance and the Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance, where appropriate. The level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean preparation time using the ss K‑files was significantly longer (186.4 s) than when using the ProTaper Gold SX (29.6 s) or WaveOne Gold Medium files (30.5 s) (P < 0.001). Similar preparation times were recorded when using the ProTaper Gold SX and WaveOne Gold Medium files (P = 0.939). Conclusion: Preparation times with the ProTaper Gold SX and WaveOne Gold Medium files were significantly faster than when using the ss K‑files to prepare primary tooth root canals for pulpectomy. Similar preparation times were noted when using the rotary and reciprocation instrumentation groups (P > 0.05).