Comparative evaluation of apical debris extrusion during root canal preparation using three different rotary file systems [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

Background: Endodontic success depends on the complete cleaning and shaping of the root canal. In order to achieve this goal, debris removal is essential. Even with improvements in instrument design, apical debris extrusion continues to be a cause of periradicular inflammation. The current study aimed to compare the amount of apically extruded debris throughout the canal instrumentation with TruNatomy, ProTaper Next, 2Shape rotary systems. Methods: A total of 60 freshly extracted single‑rooted mandibular premolars were used. An access opening was made, and a working length was estimated. The samples were arbitrarily allocated into three groups i.e. Group I: TruNatomy (n = 20), Group II: ProTaper Next (n = 20), Group III: 2Shape (n = 20). During the canal instrumentation, the extruded debris were collected in preweighed Eppendorf tubes. Post-instrumentation, the tubes were placed in a hot air oven at 140°C for five hours. For calculating the dry debris weight, the tube’s pre-instrumentation weight was deducted from the post-instrumentation weight. The data was analysed using one‑way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey’s test. Results: Extrusion of debris was noted in all the specimens. TruNatomy rotary system showed least debris extrusion in comparison to ProTaper Next and 2Shape (P < 0.05). However, the results were statistically non-significant between ProTaper Next and 2Shape (P > 0.05). Conclusions: It was noted that all instruments apically extruded debris, with TruNatomy system being related to minimum extrusion.