title: An in vivo radiographic evaluation of the accuracy of Apex and iPex electronic Apex locators.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo the clinical applicability of two electronic apex locators (EALs) - Apex (Septodont) and iPex (NSK) - in different groups of human teeth by using radiography. The working lengths (WLs) of 100 root canals were determined electronically. The EAL to be used first was chosen randomly and a K-file was inserted into the root canal until the EAL display indicated the location of the apical constriction (0 mm). The K-file was fixed to the tooth and a periapical radiograph was taken using a radiographic film holder. The K-file was removed and the WL was measured. The same procedure was repeated using the other EAL. Radiographs were examined with the aid of a light-box with lens of ×4 magnification by two blinded experienced endodontists. The distance between the file tip and the root apex was recorded as follows: (A) +1 to 0 mm, (B) -0.1 to 0.5 mm, (C) -0.6 to 1 mm, (D) -1.1 to 1.5 mm, and (E) -1.6 mm or greater. For statistical purposes, these scores were divided into 2 subgroups according to the radiographic apex: acceptable (B, C, and D) and non-acceptable (A and E). Statistically significant differences were not found between the results of Apex and iPex in terms of acceptable and non-acceptable measurements (p>0.05) or in terms of the distance recorded from file tip and the radiographic apex (p>0.05). Apex and iPex EALs provided reliable measurements for WL determination for endodontic therapy.
authors.affiliation: Cruzeiro do Sul University, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Paludo
authors.forename: Sophia Lopes de
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Souza
authors.forename: Marcus Vinícius Reis
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Só
authors.forename: Ricardo Abreu da
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rosa
authors.forename: Fabiana Vieira
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Vier-Pelisser
authors.forename: Marco Antônio Húngaro
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Duarte
mesh_terms: D003762:Dental Instruments; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology