COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF INSTRUMENTATION TIME, OBTURATION TIME, AND RADIOGRAPHIC QUALITY OF OBTURATION USING ROTARY FILES SYSTEMS VERSUS HAND K FILES FOR PRIMARY MOLAR PULPECTOMY – IN VIVO STUDY

Abstract

Background:  For primary dentition, an ideal pulpectomy requires quick, straightforward procedures, short treatment times, and few appointments. Exclusive pediatric rotary files have recently become accessible for use on baby teeth. The clinical effectiveness of pediatric rotary files is not well covered in the literature. Therefore, it was intended for this study to assess and contrast pediatric rotary files and K-files.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the instrumentation time, obturation time, and radiographic quality of obturation in primary molar pulpectomies performed using rotary systems (Kedo-S Plus; Pro-AF Baby GOLD files) and manually (K-files).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 40 kids aged 5 to 9, 45 primary mandibular molars were chosen. After dividing the teeth into three equal groups, I K-files, (ii) Kedo-S Plus files, and (iii) Pro-AF Baby GOLD files, a single-visit pulpectomy was carried out. Instrumentation and obturation times were recorded during the procedure. Two impartial assessors blinded to the instrumentation method took immediate postoperative radiographs and later assessed quality of obturation.

RESULTS:  Kedo-S Plus (Group II) files required the least instrumentation time followed by Pro-AF (Group III) and K-files (Group I). The superior quality of obturation in lesser time was achieved using Kedo S Plus files (Group II) followed by K Files (Group I) and AF baby Files (Group III).

CONCLUSION: When performing pulpotomies on primary teeth, pediatric rotary files are an effective substitute for hand instrumentation and can be regarded as the gold standard of care.