Background: The technical demands and level of precision required for successful performance of endodontic procedures have traditionally been achieved by careful manipulation of hand instruments within the root canal space and by strict adherence to the biologic and surgical principles, essential for disinfection and healing. To improve the speed and efficiency of the treatment stainless steel instruments have been used in a variety of preparation techniques, in an attempt to produce the appropriate canal shape. Aim:To compare the root canal preparation systems by hand K-files and ProTaper rotary files. Materials and method: The present study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics of the dental institution after obtaining ethical approval from the ethical committee of the institute. For the study, 85 extracted teeth were selected. Only non-carious premolars with single canal with completely formed apex and absence of structural and morphological defects were included in the study. Root canals of teeth in Group 1 were prepared using stainless steel hand K-files whereas in Group 2 were prepared using ProTaper rotary files (0.04 taper). Preparation time for each canal preparation was recorded. Results: In the present study, 85 extracted teeth were selected and were randomly grouped into two groups. Group1 (canals prepared with hand K-files) and Group 2 (canals prepared with rotary ProTaper files). The mean preparation time for K-files was 12.51+2.32 minutes and for Protaper files was 10.85+3.21 minutes. Conclusion:The time taken for preparation of root canals is more in case of hand K-files as compared to ProTaper rotary files. Thus, rotary files reduce the mean preparation time for canal preparation.
Keywords: Root canal, K-files, ProTaper file, Rotary system.

Corresponding author: Dr. Manoj Upadhyay, Asst. Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, M.B. Kedia Dental College Pvt Ltd., Nepal

This article may be cited as: Upadhyay M, Tyagi KK. Assessment of Root Canal Preparation Time by Hand K-files and ProTaper Rotary Files. Int J Res Health Allied Sci 2018;4(1):11-13.