title: Evaluation of Interference of Cellular Phones on Electronic Apex Locators: An In Vitro Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Use of mobile phone has been prohibited in many hospitals to prevent interference with medical devices. Electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular phones might interfere with electronic working length determination. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of a smart phone (Samsung Galaxy Note Edge) on working length determination of electronic apex locators (EALs) Propex II and Rootor.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen intact, non-carious single-rooted teeth were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction. Visually, working length was determined by using a #15 K-file under stereomicroscope (×20). The effect of cellular phones on electronic working length (EWL) was determined under 2 experimental settings: (1) in a closed room with poor signal strength and (2) in a polyclinic set up with good signal strength and 5 conditions: (1) electronically, without cellular phone in room; (2) electronically, with cellular phone in physical contact with EAL; (3) electronically, with mobile phone in physical contact with EAL and in calling mode for a period of 25 seconds; (4) electronically, mobile phone placed at a distance of 40 cm from the EAL; and (5) electronically, mobile phone placed at a distance of 40 cm and in calling mode for a period of 25 seconds. The EWL was measured 3 times per tooth under each condition. Stability of the readings was scored from 1 to 3: (1) good stability, (2) stable reading after 1 attempt, and (3) stable reading after 2 attempts. The data were compared by using analysis of variance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The EWL measurements were not influenced by the presence of cellular phone and could be determined under all experimental conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that mobile phones do not interfere with the EWL determination.
authors: Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia. Electronic address: sidhu.preena@gmail.com.
authors: Preena
authors: P
authors: Sidhu
authors: KLE University VK Institute of Dental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Campus, Karnataka, India.
authors: Swapnil
authors: S
authors: Shankargouda
authors: Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia.
authors: Daniel DevaPrakash
authors: DD
authors: Dicksit
authors: Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia.
authors: Haydar Majeed
authors: HM
authors: Mahdey
authors: Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia.
authors: Danish
authors: D
authors: Muzaffar
authors: Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia.
authors: Shelly
authors: S
authors: Arora
mesh_terms: D040421:Cell Phone / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity; D055615:Electrical Equipment and Supplies; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D060733:Electromagnetic Radiation; D004582:Electronics, Medical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D009811:Odontometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Cellular phone; electromagnetic interference; electronic apex locator; working length determination