Comparative evaluation of quality of obturation and instrumentation time using different file systems in deciduous molars: A randomised clinical trial

Introduction: Multiple systems are available for chemo-mechanical preparation during pulpectomy, but an evolution of the exclusive paediatric rotary single file system has opened new doors in paediatric endodontics. The aim was primarily to compare the quality of obturation and instrumentation time and secondarily to report pain perception between manual files and rotary file systems in deciduous molars. Materials and Methods: Pulpectomy was performed in 60 carious mandibular primary molars indicated for pulpectomy in children aged 4–8 years after considering the selection criteria. These teeth were divided randomly into three groups of 20 each, wherein canals were prepared using Hand K files in Group 1, HeroShaper Rotary File System in Group 2 and Kedo S Square single paediatric rotary file in Group 3. The quality of obturation was assessed using intraoral radiographs, and instrumentation time was recorded in seconds using a stopwatch. Pain during instrumentation was assessed using Wong Baker's FACES Pain Scale. Collected data were subjected to analysis using the Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA and Honestly Significant Difference post hoc test. Results: Mean instrumentation time was least for the Kedo-S Square file system (57.47 ± 9.26), followed by the HeroShaper group (99.6 ± 23.62), and maximum time was recorded for Hand files (255.99 ± 46.20), and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.00), whereas there was no significant difference regarding the quality of obturation and pain perception between the three groups. Conclusion: As the Kedo S Square system showed the fastest canal preparation, it can be recommended for pulpectomy procedures in primary teeth because the length of appointment is directly proportional to the behaviour of the child.