Abstract: (5783 Views)
Abstract
Introduction :Determining and maintaining working length during root canal shaping is one of the crucial steps for successful root canal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and coefficient of repeatability of two electronic apex locators(Root ZX and Smarpex) in locating the apicalforamen.
Method :In this cross-sectional laboratory study, thirty single-rooted extracted teeth were selected and the root canals were coronally flared. Actual canal lengths were determined by inserting a #15 file until the tip was visualized (10x magnification) just within the apical foramina. Teeth were mounted in alginate and were randomly tested with each electronic apex locator (EAL) to determine the electronic canal length. Each measurement was repeated. Differences between the electronic and actual canal lengths were analyzed by using T-test via SPSS software( version 18). The repeatability of each EAL was evaluated by calculating the coefficient of repeatability.
Results :The coefficient of repeatability of both devices were acceptable: Root ZX, 0.04 mm and Smarpex , 0.02 mm. Mean distances from the tip of the files to the apical foramens were 0.06 mm (SD 0.52) for Root ZX, 0.99 mm (SD 1.13) for the Smarpex. Accuracy of Root ZX in locating apical foramen was significantly better than Smarpex (p<0.001).
Conclusion :Under the conditions of this study, Root ZX was accurate and had a high coefficient of repeatability in determining the apical foramen. Although the Smarpex had a high coefficient of repeatability, it was not accurate in locating the apical foramen.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
General Received: 2014/04/7 | Accepted: 2014/04/7 | Published: 2014/04/7