Mechanical properties of endodontic broaches and effects of bead sterilization

Endodontic broaches from three manufacturers were tested in torsion and bending both as received and after hot bead sterilization. Products were found to be labeled nonuniformly as to size and handle color. Initial (as-is) testing of the same labeled size or handle color showed significant differences among manufacturers. Heating affected both torsion and bending. In most cases, torsion and angular deflection at torsional failure, slope of torsion versus angular deflection at 45 degrees, bending moment at 45 degrees, and slope of bending moment versus angular deflection at 10 degrees were increased compared to the as-is state. The need for a specification for broaches is confirmed.