OBJECTIVES: this study evaluated the apical deviation of curved root canals instrumented with K3 and ProTaper systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: twenty root canals of human maxillary and mandibular first molars were employed, which were divided into 2 groups: group A (10 teeth) was instrumented with the K3 system, and group B (10 teeth) with the ProTaper system. Evaluation of deviation was performed by double radiographic exposure. Radiographs were achieved before and after instrumentation, with 0.3-second, thus allowing superimposition of images. Three-dimensional computerized tomograph was performed in 3 specimens in each group, as an additional means to evaluate the apical deviation. RESULTS: were evaluated by the parametric test Student-Newman-Keuls at 5%, which did not reveal significance between groups concerning the apical deviation. The results of computerized tomograph images demonstrated that the larger deviation of the root canal occurred at the distolingual area for both systems. CONCLUSIONS: both techniques produced a mild apical deviation. Computerized microtomography was shown to be accurate for experimental endodontics studies.
Root canal; instrumentation; K3
