Selection of Nickel-Titanium Files according to the Clinical Procedure and Factors of File Fracture: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT

In this article, the contemporary root canal treatment procedure using nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments was reviewed to understand the correlations between the properties of files and safety of the clinical usage. Literatures were reviewed according to the process of clinical procedure of the root canal preparation, mainly for shaping during orifice flaring, glide-path preparation, and main canal instrumentation. Considering the reasons for NiTi file fracture, clinically implacable issues and ideas were discussed to reduce the fracture risk and increase clinical efficiency of the NiTi file systems. Various kinds of NiTi file systems have their own characteristics and properties given from their geometries and heat treatments and so on. Proper selection and careful usage of the NiTi file systems may reduce the risk of file fracture and increase the efficiency of NiTi file systems. Understanding of the clinical implications from the mechanical properties and characteristics of the engine driven NiTi instruments may decrease the risk of NiTi file fractures and increase the success rate in root canal treatment.