Comparing ProTaper Gold and Brassler EndoSequence Files for Manual use in Root Canal Preparation

Independent study using Venta Endo - RoTAC Rotary File Grips for manual rotary control of each rotary file type.

When comparing ProTaper Gold and Brasseler EndoSequence files for manual use in root canal preparation, key differences emerge in terms of design, cutting efficiency, and adaptability to manual manipulation. Here’s the comparison overview:

1. File Design and Flexibility

• ProTaper Gold:
• Features progressive tapers on a single file, meaning the taper changes along the length of the file.
• Made of heat-treated NiTi alloy, offering increased flexibility and resistance to cyclic fatigue.
• The progressive taper can be advantageous for shaping larger canals but may require more effort to maneuver manually in tight or curved canals.
• The apical 2 to 3 millimeters showed slightly smaller preparation with the progressive taper file design.
• Brasseler EndoSequence:
• Uniform taper along the file length (fixed taper design) ensures consistent shaping.
• Incorporates an advanced heat-treated NiTi alloy, providing excellent flexibility and adaptability.
• The uniform taper often allows for smoother and more predictable manual filing, especially in smaller or intricate canals.
• The apical 2 to 3 millimeters showed slightly larger preparation and more uniform tapered preparation with the continuous taper file design.

2. Cutting Efficiency

• ProTaper Gold:
• Aggressive cutting edges, designed for efficient removal of dentin.
• When used manually, the aggressive design may lead to increased engagement with canal walls, requiring careful handling to avoid transportation or ledging.
• Brasseler EndoSequence:
• Non-aggressive, triangular cross-section optimized for controlled cutting.
• Ideal for manual use due to smoother transitions and less engagement with canal walls, reducing the risk of ledging or iatrogenic errors.

3. Manual Handling and Control

• ProTaper Gold:
• Best suited for rotary instrumentation; less intuitive for manual use due to the progressive taper and aggressive cutting profile.
• Can require more effort and skill to maintain control when shaping manually, particularly in curved canals.
• Brasseler EndoSequence:
• Easier to adapt to manual techniques with its predictable, fixed taper and smoother cutting action.
• The file’s design allows for controlled bi-directional cutting motions, making it more user-friendly for manual preparation.

4. Canal Type Suitability

• ProTaper Gold:
• More effective in wide or straight canals where its aggressive cutting and progressive taper can be fully utilized.
• Less ideal for manual use in narrow or curved canals due to potential challenges in control and flexibility.
• Brasseler EndoSequence:
• Well-suited for narrow, curved, or intricate canals, where its flexibility and controlled cutting provide a safer and more predictable glide path.
• Adapts well to manual techniques, making it a versatile choice for complex anatomies.

5. Risk of File Separation

• ProTaper Gold:
• Higher stress on the file during manual use due to its aggressive design and variable taper, increasing the potential risk of separation.
• Brasseler EndoSequence:
• Lower risk of separation during manual use, thanks to its less aggressive design and uniform taper, which distribute stress more evenly.

Conclusion:

For manual preparation using RoTAC Rotary File Grips, the Brasseler EndoSequence files are generally more suited due to their smoother cutting action, consistent taper, and superior control in intricate canals. While ProTaper Gold is an excellent rotary file system, its design is less forgiving for manual use, requiring more skill and care to achieve optimal results.

If manual preparation is your primary technique or when using manual technique to reduce the risk of engine-driven file separation, Brasseler EndoSequence offers better adaptability and safety. However, if you're comfortable handling a more aggressive file manually, ProTaper Gold may be an option in select cases.