Introduction: The purpose of endodontic instrumentation is to promote the cleaning and shaping of the root canal, preparing it for subsequent definitive obturation.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the cleaning quality of simulated canal blocks instrumented by two nickel–titanium rotary systems.
Methods: Twenty acrylic blocks (simulated canals) were used and divided into two groups of 10 each. India ink was injected into the simulated canals, which were then covered with laminated paper to avoid interference with instrumentation.
The blocks in Group 1 were instrumented using the original operating sequence of the ProTaper Universal system, up to the F3 instrument; for irrigation, 5 mL of saline solution was used at each instrument change.
The blocks in Group 2 were instrumented with the ProDesign S system, heat-treated, up to the 30.05 instrument, and also irrigated with 5 mL of saline solution.
After instrumentation, the blocks were photographed and analyzed for cleanliness by three endodontic experts.
Conclusion: Under the experimental conditions in which this study was conducted, no statistically significant difference was observed in the cleaning capacity between the two systems studied.
Keywords: Dental instruments. Root canal preparation. Endodontics.
