title: Accuracy of Root ZX in teeth with simulated root perforation in the presence of gel or liquid type endodontic irrigant.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the accuracy of the Root ZX in teeth with simulated root perforation in the presence of gel or liquid type endodontic irrigants, such as saline, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine liquid, 2% chlorhexidine gel, and RC-Prep, and also to determine the electrical conductivities of these endodontic irrigants.
  
  
  METHODS
  A root perforation was simulated on twenty freshly extracted teeth by means of a small perforation made on the proximal surface of the root at 4 mm from the anatomic apex. Root ZX was used to locate root perforation and measure the electronic working lengths. The results obtained were compared with the actual working length (AWL) and the actual location of perforations (AP), allowing tolerances of 0.5 or 1.0 mm. Measurements within these limits were considered as acceptable. Chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate significance. Electrical conductivities of each irrigant were also measured with an electrical conductivity tester.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The accuracies of the Root ZX in perforated teeth were significantly different between liquid types (saline, NaOCl) and gel types (chlorhexidine gel, RC-Prep). The accuracies of electronic working lengths in perforated teeth were higher in gel types than in liquid types. The accuracy in locating root perforation was higher in liquid types than gel types. 5.25% NaOCl had the highest electrical conductivity, whereas 2% chlorhexidine gel and RC-Prep gel had the lowest electrical conductivities among the five irrigants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Different canal irrigants with different electrical conductivities may affect the accuracy of the Root ZX in perforated teeth.
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Ulsan University Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Hyeong-Soon
authors: HS
authors: Shin
authors: Won-Kyung
authors: WK
authors: Yang
authors: Mi-Ri
authors: MR
authors: Kim
authors: Hyun-Jung
authors: HJ
authors: Ko
authors: Kyung-Mo
authors: KM
authors: Cho
authors: Se-Hee
authors: SH
authors: Park
authors: Jin-Woo
authors: JW
authors: Kim
keywords: Electrical conductivity; Root ZX; Root canal irrigants; Root perforation