An in vivo comparative evaluation to determine the accuracy of working length between radiographic and electronic apex locators.
BACKGROUND
An in vivo comparative evaluation to determine the accuracy of working length between radiographic and electronic apex locators.


OBJECTIVE
The study was aimed at evaluating the accuracy of electronic apex locator, to determine the working length of root canal, and to compare it with the radiographic method of working length determination.


METHODS
A total of 20 teeth selected for the study had to go for extraction because of periodontal or orthodontic reasons. Access cavity was prepared and the clinical estimated working length (CEWL) was determined with 10-25 no. K-file. A radiograph was then taken for determining the radiographic estimated working length (REWL). For electronic measurement of root canal, a 10 no. K-file was advanced toward the apex until it reached a 0.5 mm short of apex as shown by the apex locator. After fixing the file with a light cured composite, the tooth was extracted, the tooth surface was then longitudinally grounded using straight fissure diamond bur until the root canal and the tip of the file were visible. The distance of file from the minor constriction was measured with help of stereomicroscope.


METHODS
The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis for this study.


RESULTS
The chi-square test where χ² = 21.034 with P = 0.000 indicated that a significant difference exists among the groups. The electronic method showed highest number of cases with the working length at the minor constrictor.


CONCLUSIONS
The electronic method for determining the working length of root canal was found to be more accurate than the radiographic method.
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, DAV (C) Dental College, Yamuna Nagar, Haryana, India.
S Vijay
SV
Singh
Vineeta
V
Nikhil
Aruna Vijay
AV
Singh
Suman
S
Yadav
D000328:Adult; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055615:Electrical Equipment and Supplies / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009811:Odontometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016300:Radiography, Bitewing / Q000379:methods; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014962:X-Ray Film