Highlights• Micro-CT comparisons of centering ability and apical canal transportation of 3 glide path enlargement techniques in curved root canals of extracted mandibular molars.• K-files were least centered and caused more transportation.• ProGlider displayed superior centering ability.• ProGlider and G-Files caused significantly less transportation than K-files. AbstractIntroduction: The purpose of this study was to compare centering ability and apical

Highlights • This study compared canal shaping with the rotary One Shape (nickel titanium), rotary ProTaper NEXT (M-Wire), and reciprocating Primary WaveOne Gold (Gold wire) after glide path preparation with K-Files, One G, and ProGlider. • No statistically significant difference in the mean centering ratios at the apical, midroot, and coronal levels of the various glide path groups in combination with the shaping instruments. • WaveOne Gold exhibited the lowest transportation values at all levels with ProGlider. • ProTaper NEXT exhibited the highest volume of dentin removed regardless of the glide path preparation technique used.

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Glide path preparation times with the rotary instrument groups were significantly faster than with stainless steel manual K-files.

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One-G and ProGlider were significantly more centred at the apical, midroot and coronal levels than K-files. Apical canal transportation ratio values after glide path enlargement were significantly higher for K-files than for One-G and ProGlider. All groups resulted in similar canal volume changes.

Maintaining a smooth, reproducible, glide path when successive files are used is an important characteristic of proper root canal preparation. Glide path enlargement allows for safer, more effective canal shaping with increased prospects of successful treatment outcomes.

Chemo-mechanical preparation and the removal of infected dentine in order to eliminate microorganisms and avoid apical periodontitis remain the main objectives in endodontic treatment. Mechanical preparation of the root canal system not only provides the space for obturation but also facilitates disinfection of the root canal system through the use of irrigation solutions.