Abstract
Aim This study compares the cyclic fatigue resistance of glide path files versus manual files used with a reciprocating handpiece in simulated curved canals, specifically evaluating WaveOne Gold Glider, ProGlider, stainless steel (S.S.) K files, nickel-titanium (NiTi) K files, and Flexo K files. Materials and methods Seventy-five instruments were divided into five groups of 15. Simulated canals with a 45° angle and a 5 mm radius of curvature were created using laser micromachining on S.S. blocks. A reciprocating endodontic handpiece (TEP-ER10, NSK, Japan) was used for the manual files and an X-Smart Plus endo motor for the rotary files. The time to fracture was recorded via videography. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey tests. Results Flexo files exhibited the highest mean cyclic fatigue resistance (1690.33 ± 456.97 seconds), followed by WaveOne Gold Glider (872.13 ± 210.08 seconds), NiTi K files (760.73 ± 163.86 seconds), S.S. K files (707.60 ± 257.98 seconds), and ProGlider (371.00 ± 66.02 seconds). Fragment length differences were statistically insignificant among the groups. ANOVA showed significant differences in cyclic fatigue resistance but not in fragment length. Conclusion Flexo files showed superior cyclic fatigue resistance, making them ideal for glide path formation. NiTi and S.S. K files with a reciprocating handpiece performed similarly to WaveOne Gold Glider, providing a cost-effective alternative to rotary systems, especially in resource-limited areas. ProGlider had the lowest resistance, highlighting the advantage of reciprocating motion in enhancing durability.