Scanning electron microscopy analysis of conventional and controlled-memory nickel titanium files before and after multi-uses in root canals.

The current study aimed to examine changes in the physical properties of conventional and CM nickel-titanium instruments after repeated clinical use, disinfection-sterilization processes, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Sixty extracted mandibular molar mesial roots were used in this ex vivo study. The 60 teeth underwent final apical shaping (#25/.06) by the Revo-S SU (Revo-S Group: #25/.06; Micromega; n = 10) and Hyflex CM (Hyflex CM group: #25/.06; Coltene-Whaledent; n = 10) groups. One instrument of each group was used to shape six different teeth (Revo-S SU in 3 MB and 3 ML canals, and Hyflex CM in 3 MB and 3 ML canals), sequentially. The physical changes evident on the surfaces of the files after sequential use and sterilization processes were analyzed by SEM after the first, third, and sixth use. The first SEM examination was performed immediately after removal from the packages. Following first SEM examination, the files were sterilized before the first use as would be customary in practice. Qualitative evaluations were made by two evaluators, according to the following criteria: tip deformation, cutting edge deformation, debris, and microfracture. Revo-S showed a significant difference in cutting edge deformation, tip deformation, and microcrack formation, as compared to Hyflex CM. There was no significant difference between the groups in debris with the increasing number of uses. In this study, Hyflex CM (CM nickel-titanium) files showed better performance in terms of deformation and microcrack formation as the number of uses increased than did Revo-S (conventional nickel-titanium) files.