Abstract Aim:

To evaluate canal transportation and centering ability of Protaper and WaveOne systems in curved root canals by cone-beam computed tomography.

Methods:

Twenty human molars were randomly divided into two groups according to the system used: Group GP (ProTaper Universal(r)) and group GW (WaveOne(tm)). CT scans were performed before and after the chemo-mechanical preparation on three points: 2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm from the tooth apex. The cuttings in dentin were measured and results were statistically analyzed.

Results:

In GP, there was higher percentage in transport at 2 mm and 4 mm toward the mesial wall of the tooth root compared to GW (p<0.05). There was no difference between the systems regarding their centering ability.

Conclusions:

None of the systems was able to touch all the dentin walls and stay centered during the chemical-mechanical preparation.