Accuracy of working length determination using 3 electronic apex locators and direct digital radiography

Denis Gonalves Real, Harry Davidowicz, Cacio Moura-Netto, Clacir De Lourdes Londero Zenkner, Claudia Medianeira Londero Pagliarin, Fernando Branco Barletta, Abilio Albuquerque Maranho de Moura

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess the accuracy of working length determination using 3 electronic apex locators and direct digital radiography and to compare the results with those obtained using the visual method (control measurement). Study design Twenty extracted human maxillary premolars were selected: 17 two-rooted and 3 single-rooted (total of 37 canals). Working length was measured using electronic apex locators Elements Diagnostic, Root ZX, and Just II. Subsequently, teeth were positioned in the alveolar bone of a dry skull and submitted to direct digital radiography. A variation of ±1 mm was considered as acceptable. Results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon and the χ2 tests. Results Results presented an accuracy of 94.6% for Elements Diagnostic, 91.9% for Root ZX, 73.0% for Just II, and 64.9% for direct digital radiography when considering the margin of ±1 mm in relation to the control measurement. Comparisons with the actual control measurements resulted in accuracy results of 13.51%, 13.51%, 10.10%, and 2.70%, respectively. Conclusions Root ZX and Elements Diagnostic are more accurate in determining working length when compared with Just II and Schick direct digital radiography.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e44-e49
JournalOral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontology
Volume111
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2011
Externally publishedYes

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