The effect of sterilization on bending and torsional properties of K-files manufactured with different metallic alloys.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of dry-heat or autoclave sterilization on the resistance to fracture in torque and angular deflection and the resistance to bending of K-type files made of nickel-titanium (Nitiflex, Naviflex), titanium (Microtitane) or stainless steel (Flexofile, Flex-R). Ten K-type files of each sort, from size 25 to 40, were tested, according to ANSI/ADA specification 28 (1988) and ISO specification 3630 (1992). Sterilization with dry heat and autoclave slightly decreased the flexibility of files made of stainless steel and nickel-titanium for most of the sizes, although the values obtained satisfied ISO specifications. The files made of titanium showed an increased flexibility after sterilization with autoclave (sizes 30 and 35) and dry heat (sizes 30, 35 and 40). Resistance to fracture varied amongst the five groups of files tested as follows: it decreased in some sizes of stainless-steel instruments, decreased in all sizes of titanium files assessed by the torsional moment, and either increased or decreased in some sizes of nickel-titanium files. All files tested, however, satisfied relevant standards for angular deflection after being subjected to sterilization with an autoclave or dry heat.