Comparison of Cyclic Fatigue Resistance and Bending Properties of Two Reciprocating Nickel-titanium Glide Path Files

Aim: To compare the cyclic fatigue resistance and bending properties of R-Pilot and WaveOne Gold (WOG) Glider files, at intracanal temperature (35°C).

Methodology: Forty R-Pilot and 40 WOG Glider files were subjected to a cyclic fatigue resistance test (n = 20), calculating the time to fracture (TTF) in an artificial stainless steel canal. The length of the fractured file tips (FL) was also measured. The fracture surface of fragments was examined with a scanning electron microscope, and the cross-sectional area of the fractured surfaces was measured. Flexibility of the tested files (n = 20) was determined using 45° bending test. Data were analysed statistically using the Mann-Whitney U-test at 5% significance level.

Results: Time to fracture was significantly higher in the R-Pilot group compared to the WOG Glider (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups for fracture length. The bending resistance of R-Pilot files was significantly greater than WOG Glider files (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: A significant greater cyclic fatigue resistance was observed for R-Pilot files compared to WOG Glider instruments, although the bending resistance of WOG Glider files was lower.