A comparison of canal preparation using the K-file and Lightspeed in resin blocks.

Twenty-four resin blocks with simulated curved canals of approximately 38 degrees were divided into two groups of 12 each. One group was instrumented with stainless steel K-files and the other group with nickel-titanium Lightspeed Rotary instruments. The efficiency of canal preparation was evaluated at 1, 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apex using magnified images (x4) of the radiographed blocks. The results showed that K-files caused more widening at the apical end, with a higher incidence of transportation, zipping, and elbow formation. The Lightspeed instrument stayed centered in the canals maintaining the central axis, with minimal incidence of transportation, elbow formation, and zipping. Thus, the Lightspeed instrument may be considered more suitable for efficient preparation of curved canals than the K-type file.