Abstract
Objective: To compare the cleaning efficacy and instrumentation time of manual K- files and two rotary files (ProTaper Next and Pro AF Baby Gold files).
Materials and methods: A total of 72 root canals of 57 extracted primary molars (mandibular and maxillary teeth) were divided into three groups; Group I: Manual K- files (M), Group II: ProTaper Next (PTN), Group III: Pro AF Baby Gold (PAF). An insulin syringe was used to inject India ink into all of the root canals. In all groups, the instrumentation time was measured by a digital chronometer. The remaining traces of ink after instrumentation were evaluated by a stereomicroscope to analyze the cleaning efficacy.
Results: No statistically significant differences were found in cleaning efficacy among or within the 3 files systems in the (coronal, middle, and apical thirds), however, PTN and PAF files showed the best cleaning efficacy at the apical third. K- files had the significantly highest instrumentation time compared to PTN and PAF files.
Conclusion: Rotary files can be a fast and efficient alternative in the pulpectomy of deciduous molars.