ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the order of preparation of four-canal maxillary molars on volume variation, instrument deformation, cyclic fatigue, and preparation time by using the WaveOne Gold Primary (WOG 25.07). METHODS: We selected 48 permanent, human, four-canal maxillary molars. The teeth were divided into 4 groups according to the order of initiation of the canal preparation sequence: (1) mesiobuccal (MB), distobuccal (DB), palatal (P), second mesiobuccal (MB2); (2) DB-P-MB2-MB; (3) P-MB2-MB-DB and (4) MB2-MB-DB-P. Pre- and post-preparation microtomography scanning was performed to obtain initial and final canal volume measurements. The instruments were also evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy to determine the wear and deformation present after use. The active instrumentation time was also recorded. The data were statistically compared by using a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between groups for volume variation and time of preparation of the canals with the WOG system (P > .05); however, a statistically significant difference was observed in the deformation of the instruments. In the comparison between the groups for MB-DB-P-MB2 and P-MB2-MB-DB, the latter presented greater deformation of the instruments. CONCLUSIONS: Root canal preparation sequence affected deformation of the instruments but did not influence the volume variation or the canal preparation time with the WOG system. To minimize instrument deformation, the preparation order should be MB-DB-P-MB2.
