Influence of Different Angles of Reciprocation on the Cyclic Fatigue of Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Instruments

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate cyclic fatigue fracture resistance of engine-driven nickel-titanium (K3XF) instruments under reciprocating movement in various angles. Methods: Fifty K3XF size 40 taper 0.06 nickel-titanium instruments were divided randomly into 5 groups of 10 each. All instruments were subjected to cyclic fatigue tests. Instruments in groups 1-4 were tested by using different reciprocating motions, whereas instruments of group 5 (control group) were used in continuous rotation. All instruments were rotated or reciprocated until fracture occurred. Time to fracture was recorded, and data were statistically analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey honestly significant difference test for comparison between different groups. Results: All reciprocating groups (groups 1-4) showed a significant increase in time to failure when compared with group 5 (continuous rotation) (P < .05). Mean time was significantly higher in group 1, followed by group 2. No significant difference was found between groups 3 and 4 (P = .251). Increasing the clockwise angle of reciprocation and consequently increasing the angle of progression for each reciprocation cycle reduced the resistance to cyclic fatigue. Conclusions: Movement kinematics (reciprocating movements in various angles) had a significant influence on the cyclic fatigue life of the tested nickel-titanium instruments. (J Endod 2012;38:1408-1411)