Shaping Ability of Reciproc Blue Reciprocating Instruments with or without Glide Path in Simulated S-shaped Root Canals

Background. The present study aimed to compare the shaping ability of Reciproc Blue instruments with or without the creation of glide path in simulated S-shaped root canals. Methods. Root canals of 30 #15.02 clear resin S-shaped blocks were dyed using ink and photographed. Then the blocks were randomly divided into 2 groups as Group A: Reciproc Blue with glide path was created with ProGlider and Group B: Reciproc Blue with no glide path preparation (n = 15). The blocks were also photographed after preparation. The pre- and post-preparation images were superimposed and evaluated at 9 different measurement points according to the 3 zones, as coronal straight, first curvature, and apical curvature zones. The data were evaluated with independent t-test or Kruskal-Wallis tests with 5% significance threshold. Results. Group B removed greater amount of material from the inner aspect of simulated canal at the first curvature and apical curvature zones and from the outer aspect of the canal at apical curvature zone (P < 0.05). Both groups lead transportation and the transportation width caused by Group B was significantly greater in the levels of apical curvature zone (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Glide path preparation using ProGlider rotary instrument improved the shaping ability of Reciproc Blue R25 instrument by leading to less transportation and maintain centering ability.