Ex vivo evaluation of the effectiveness and accuracy of electronic apex locators in the identification of the actual working length

Carlos Alberto Herrero De Morais, Joana Yumi Teruya Uchimura, Rosangela Getirana Santana, Emerson Barili e Marcos Sergio Endo

Introduction: The use of electronic apex locators (EALs) is essential to identify the actual working length (AWL), since the radiographic method has limitations. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and accuracy of three EALs: Root ZXTM, NovApexTM and Justy IITM in the indentification of the AWL. Methods: Thirty extracted human incisors were selected. After coronal opening and cervical preparation, a #15 K-file was inserted into the canal until its tip reached the apical foramen. The actual length (AL) was observed using a digital caliper and magnification with an operating microscope (25x). The AWL of each tooth was obtained by subtracting 1 mm from the file length. The teeth were inserted into the cervical level in a sponge of floral arrangement, which was in a transparent plastic box, soaked in 0.9% saline solution. An experienced and calibrated endodontist performed 30 measurements with each device, with the total of 90 measures. Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.4505) among devices. Comparing the three EALs in relation to AWL, there was not statistically significant difference among them: Root ZXTM (p = 0.3418); NovApexTM (p = 0.3031) and Justy IITM (p = 0.4080). However, regression analysis carried out by means of the scatter plot showed that NovApexTM had better accuracy than other electronic apex locators, with 93%. Conclusions: The EALs used were effective; however, although NovApexTM showed higher accuracy, more studies should be performed.

Keywords: Odontometry. Accuracy. Effectiveness.

How to cite: Morais CAH, Uchimura JYT, Santana RG, Barili E, Endo MS. Ex vivo evaluation of the effectiveness and accuracy of electronic apex locators in the identi cation of the actual working length. Dental Press Endod. 2016 Jan-Apr;6(1):15-20. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14436/2358-2545.6.1.015-020.oar

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