Effect of autoclave sterilization on the cyclic fatigue resistance of EdgeFile X7, 2Shape, and F-one nickel-titanium endodontic instruments.

Background: Rotary nickel-titanium files have become the most commonly used engine-powered endodontic instruments due to their improvement in fatigue resistance and flexibility. The autoclaving is the most commonly used method for sterilization. However, the risk of instrument fracture, mainly due to cyclic fatigue during rotation within a curved canal, is still a matter of critical concern.

Aims: This study aimed to measure and compares the cyclic fatigue resistance of EdgeFile X7, 2Shape, and F-One files in a single curved simulated canal before and after autoclave sterilization.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four files each of EdgeFile X7, 2Shape, and F-One files were used in this study. They were grouped as group A: EdgeFile X7, group B: 2Shape, and group C: F-One files. Then, each group was subdivided into two, sterilized and nonsterilized, subgroups. The files were tested using a custom-made artificial canal. The number of cycles to fracture (NCF) was calculated.

Statistical analysis used: One-way analysis of variance, post hoc Tukey's test, and independent t-test were used.

Results: In nonsterilized instruments, the NCF of the EdgeFile X7 group was significantly higher than that in the other groups (P < 0.05). In sterilized instruments, there was a nonsignificant difference in NCF between EdgeFile X7 and F-One files (P > 0.05). The NCF of 2Shape was significantly lower than other files (P ≤ 0.05) in sterilized and nonsterilized groups. The autoclaving significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) the cyclic fatigue resistance of the tested files.

Conclusions: EdgeFile X7 was the most fatigue resistant. Autoclaving reduced the cyclic fatigue resistance of the tested files.