An in vitro comparison of root canal length determination by DentaPort ZX and iPex apex locators

Abstract Background Radiographic analysis of tooth morphology is mandatory for accurate calibration of the degree of canal curvature angle and radiographic working length to its real dimensions in case difficulty assessment protocols. This study aimed to determine the impact of the degree of root canal curvature angle on maintaining the real working length and the original canal axis of prepared root canals using a reciprocating rotary instrumentation technique. Methods Radiographic image analysis was performed on 60 extracted single-rooted human premolar teeth with a moderate canal curvature (10°–25°) and severe canal curvature (26°–70°). Working length and longitudinal canal axis were determined using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital periapical radiography. The real canal length was determined by subtracting 0.5 mm from the actual canal length. Root canals were prepared using the WaveOne Gold reciprocating file (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). Results There was no significant relation of the degree of canal curvature angle to the accuracy of radiographic working length estimated on CBCT and digital periapical radiographic techniques (P > 0.05). Postinstrumentation changes in the original canal axis between moderate and severe canal curvature angles, assessed on CBCT and periapical digital radiographic images were statistically non-significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions A standardized digital periapical radiographic method performed similarly to the CBCT technique near to its true working length. No significant interaction exists between the diagnostic working length estimation, postoperative root canal axis modification, and the degree of canal curvature angle, using reciprocating rotary instrumentation technique.

Download Full-text

In vitro comparison between apex locators, direct and radiographic techniques for determining the root canal length in primary teeth

European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry ◽

10.1007/s40368-018-00413-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (5) ◽

pp. 403-408

Author(s):

L. Z. Adriano ◽

J. C. Barasuol ◽

M. Cardoso ◽

M. Bolan

Keyword(s):

Root Canal ◽

Primary Teeth ◽

In Vitro Comparison

Download Full-text

Performance in vitro of apex locators in determining root length in primary molars

RGO - Revista Gaúcha de Odontologia ◽

10.1590/1981-863720160003000013230 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 64 (3) ◽

pp. 244-249

Author(s):

Fernanda Mara Paiva BERTOLI ◽

Carolina Dea BRUZAMOLIN ◽

Flares BARATTO FILHO ◽

Débora Andrade da SILVA ◽

Flávia Fagundes Sens TOMAZINHO ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Digital Radiography ◽

Root Canal ◽

Gold Standard ◽

Root Length ◽

Root Resorption ◽

Primary Molars ◽

Visual Examination ◽

Length Determination

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate performance of digital radiographic and two electronic apex locators, Propex II and Root ZX in root canal length determination in primary molars. Methods: 25 primary molars were divided into two groups, G1 without root resorption and G2 with root resorption. The exams were performed using all methods by two experienced examiners, with 1-week interval. The gold standard was determined by visual examination. The methods were statistically analyzed regarding the values of reproducibility and correlated with the gold standard by Pearson´s correlation coefficient. Results: The root canal length determination coincided with gold standard in 22.7% for Root ZX, 17.5% for Propex II and 12.5% for digital radiography. Correlation values were higher in G1, the Root ZX presented the highest values. In G2 the digital radiography showed the lowest correlation. In G1, the intra-examiner reproducibility values ranged from 0.925 to 0.523, and interexaminer 0.863 to 0.670. In G2, the values of intra-examiner reproducibility ranges from 0.864 to 0.097, and inter was 0.774 to 0.379. Conclusion: It was concluded that the methods performance varying according to examiner's experience. The Root ZX presented the highest reproducibility and accuracy.

Download Full-text