COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF TYPE K STAINLESS STEEL MANUAL INSTRUMENTS: A STUDY OF DIFFERENT BRANDS

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare the geometric and mechanical characteristics of six different brands of type K stainless steel manual instruments. Instruments in sizes 15 and 0.20 were analyzed, through buckling and torsional resistance tests, following ISO 3630 standards. -1 and ANSI/ADA 101. Micromorphometry evaluated diameters and conicities at specific points (D0 and D3). The results indicated that the TDK 15 and Angelus 0.20 instruments presented greater resistance to buckling, while variations in diameter in D0 were observed mainly in the TDK 15 and Perfect 15 instruments. In relation to torsional resistance, the Maillefer 0.20 instruments stood out due to the greater angular deflection before fracture, suggesting greater flexibility. Thus, the TDK 15 and Angelus 0.20 instruments proved to be more suitable for negotiating atretic canals and endodontic retreatment, however variations in the diameter of the TDK 15 and Perfect 15 instruments may compromise the adaptation of cones during the obturation phase. The Maillefer 0.20 instruments, with greater flexibility, are more suitable for curved canals.

Keywords

• dental instruments
• stainless steel
• endodontics
• root canal preparation
• root canal treatment
• assessment of mechanical properties