Métodos de determinação do comprimento radicular em dentes decíduos

: um estudo em modelos de dentes artificiais

Abstract

Introduction: The correct determination of the working length for the endodontictreatment of primary teeth is a challenge for the dentist due to the morphological and anatomical differences, physiological exfoliation, and the frequent lack of patient cooperation. Electronic apical locators have been increasingly used in primary teeth for this purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare methods for determining the length of the root canal, one of them being the radiographic method, and the other two, different electronic apex locators, in models of artificial deciduous teeth. Materials and Methods: Six artificial deciduous anterior teeth (incisors) and six posterior (second molars) were used in this study. Access cavities were made in each one of the teeth and the lengths of their root canals were determined using the radiographic method and two different electronic apex locators, the Root ZX and Proppex-L and compared with their actual measurements. Results: It was observed that the measurements obtained with the radiographic method showed a statistically significant difference when compared to the actual size of the root canals, unlike the measurements performed with electronic apex locators, which are more effective when compared to the actual length. Conclusion: The electronic apex locators showed the best performance in determining root canal length in comparison with the radiographic method, proving the viability of these teeth for study and research in Endodontics and Pediatric Dentistry.

Date of Award	25 Nov 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Anna Moura (Supervisor)