Placement accuracy of electrically conductive gutta-percha.
Conductive gutta-percha master cones (CGPMCs) with a surface conductive silver film have been developed for use with an electronic apex locator. Our research examined the accuracy of these CGPMC placed at working length (WL). Actual canal lengths of 30 extracted anterior teeth with mature apices were determined. Teeth were mounted in an in vitro system and canals step-back prepared. Each CGPMC was seated to the electronic WL as determined by the electronic apex locator and radiographs were made with the CGPMC in this position. Data showed (a) CGPMCs placed with the use of an electronic apex locator were at or within 1 mm short of WL in 36% of the teeth and (b) however, radiographic examination of the same CGPMC placements gave the appearance that 64% were at or within 1 mm short of WL.
Rivera
E M
EM
Department of Endodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Seraji
M K
MK
D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004582:Electronics, Medical; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
D006171:Gutta-Percha