Metallurgical characterisation and torsional resistance of blue thermomechanically treated nickel titanium instruments after simulated ex vivo retreatment procedure.

To compare used and unused Reciproc Blue and Reciproc after retreatment, the instruments were used in the mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars with curvature. The torsional resistances were tested and then unused instruments were subjected to XRD, DSC and microhardness tests. Student's t, ANOVA and Tukey's tests were performed (α-level 0.05). The torsional strength of used Reciproc Blue was not significantly different than unused ones (P > .05), while torsional strength of Reciproc decreased significantly (P < .05). DSC and XRD indicated that Reciproc Blue exhibited prominent transformation peaks corresponding austenite to R-phase. Microhardness of Reciproc was significantly higher (P < .05). A second reuse of Reciproc Blue for retreatment could be considered safe in terms of torsional strength. Blue treatment also decreased surface microhardness of the instrument and changed phase composition by increasing the R-phase.