Vlad Mircea LUP, Ashkan TAVAKKOLI, Michele MARCIANO, Gabriela CIAVOI, Simone GRANDINI, Carlo GAETA
European Endodontic Journal - 2026;11(1):25-31
Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out if undergraduate students could successfully shape an artificial S-shape root canal with the R25 Reciproc Blue instrument and if an existing glide path had an impact on their ability to reach full working length. Methods: A total of 60 students from two universities were given the task of shaping two training blocks (with and without a preestablished glide path) with the Reciproc Blue R25. The time needed for shaping, the number of pecking motions and the ability to reach working length were recorded and analyzed. Results: Although all students needed more time and more pecking motions to reach working length in the no glide path group, no instrument separation occurred in any sample. Conclusions: With the aid of improved kinematics, metallurgic advancements, current endodontic motor technologies and the right protocol, even undergraduate students with limited experience in shaping root canals can reach working length on a double curved canal with no incidents even without a preestablished glide path.
