Objective: Rotary file systems, originally for endodontic procedures in permanent teeth, are now used in pediatric dentistry to save time and enhance compliance. New pediatric rotary files with heat-treated TiO2 coatings and controlled memory are available for primary teeth, measuring 16 to 18 mm in length. This study compares the time and quality of obturation of primary molars using manual vs. pediatric rotary files.
Materials and Methods: The clinical study encompassed 60 primary molars in patients aged 4–8 years. Four different types of hand files (Hand K-Files, Kedo-SH) and rotary files (Kedo S Square, Pro AF Baby) were used for the pulpectomy procedures. Single visit pulpectomy was performed. Time taken for instrumentation was recorded from the beginning of instrumentation until the chemomechanical preparation of canals was finished using a stopwatch, and canals were obturated with Metapex. Obturation quality was evaluated radiographically, and the acquired data and instrumentation time were statistically analyzed.
Results: The Kedo-S-Square files (Group 4) had the shortest average duration of 15.2 minutes, while Pro AF Baby Gold files (Group 3) averaged 19.7 minutes, with hand files taking longer. Pro AF files achieved the highest quality of obturation, followed by Kedo S-Square and hand files.
Conclusion: Rotary instrumentation outperformed hand instrumentation regarding instrumentation time and obturation quality.