Purpose: The enhanced filling material removal efficiency of XP-Endo Finisher (XPF) and XP-Endo Finisher R (XPFR) files was reported in several studies. However, the impact of this efficiency on the debris extrusion is unknown. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate the amount of apically extruded debris using these instruments during retreatment.
Methods: Forty-five mandibular premolar teeth were instrumented with ProTaper Next system and filled with gutta-percha and an epoxy resin-based sealer using single cone technique. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups according to the file used for root filling material removal (n = 15): Reciproc, Reciproc + XPF, Reciproc + XPFR. Apically extruded debris was collected in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. The dry weight of the extruded debris was calculated by subtracting the weight of the empty tube from that of the tube containing debris. Distribution of data was determined by Shapiro–Wilk test. Groups were compared with one-way analysis of variance. The significance level was set at p =.05.
Results: All file systems were associated with apical debris extrusion. No statistically significant difference was found among groups (p>.05).
Conclusion: XPF and XPFR files when used as a supplementary file for improving retreatment have no significant effect on the amount of apically extruded debris.