Topographic and Chemical Analysis of Reciprocating and Rotary Instruments Surface after Continuous Use

Abstract This study aimed at evaluating the changes in surface characteristics and NiTi content of reciprocating and rotary instruments after continuous use. Thirty brand-new instruments were assigned to 3 groups (n=10): PNX1 Group - ProTaper Next system - instrument X1; PNX2 Group - ProTaper Next system - instrument X2 and WO Group - WaveOne system - Primary instrument 25.08. The instruments were used to prepare 60 simulated root canals. Analysis of surface characteristics by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical analysis of Ni and Ti content by energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were performed before and after the first and third use of the instruments. Only WO Group had significant increase in the quantity of defects and deformations after the third use (p0.05), however, in PNX2 Group, there was significant decrease in the different time interval of analysis (p