The accuracy of the Raypex5 electronic apex locator using stainless-steel hand K-file versus nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file.
OBJECTIVE
Today many clinicians use both stainless-steel hand K-files and nickel- titanium rotary files during endodontic treatment. It is of great importance for the clinician to have confidence in the accuracy of an apex locator even if these files were used interchangeably. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Raypex5 electronic apex locator using stainless-steel hand K-file versus nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file.


METHODS
Twenty straight and single canals of maxillary central teeth were used. Access cavities were prepared; actual working length were determined and compared with electronic working length obtained by means of apex locator Raypex5 using stainless-steel hand K-file and nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file. Data was analyzed by paired T-test.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference between 15/0.02 stainless-steel hand K- file and 10/0.04 NiTi rotary Mtwo file for the mean differences between actual and electronic working length (p=0.126).


CONCLUSIONS
Under the conditions of this in-vitro study, Raypex5 registered more measurements in acceptable range using 15/0.02 stainless-steel hand K- file and 10/0.04 NiTi rotary Mtwo file. It is possible to use them interchangeably without compromising the working length.
Sadeghi
Shiva
S
Department of Endodontics, Dental School/Dental Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Science, Rasht, Iran. sadeghi.dds@gmail.com
Abolghasemi
Masoomeh
M
D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009532:Nickel; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014025:Titanium; D019227:Tooth Apex
C040654:titanium nickelide; D013193:Stainless Steel; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium