ABSTRACT
Introduction: The precise localization of the apical foramen and the odontometry determination is an important stage since it locates the apical limit for instrumentation and filling. Objective: To compare the accuracy of Root-ZX Mini and Raypex 6 in locating apical foramen in extracted molars. Material and methods: 80 mesial and buccal canals from 40 mandibular and maxillary human molars were used. A size #15 K-file was introduced to canal, until the locator indicated the apical foramen (red bar/line in both devices). With the file in position, it was re-adjusted for Root-ZX II Mini on the green bar and on the two yellow bars for Raypex 6. All the samples were measured from the tip of the file to the apical foramen with radiovisiograph and the Sidexis software. The apical third of the root was shaved until exposure of the file. The distance from the file tip to the most coronal border of the apical foramen was obtained and it was measured with a clinical microscope at 16-fold magnification. The measured lengths with the radiovisiograph and the clinical microscope were analyzed with the statistical Student's T-test. Results: The average length from the tip of the file to the apical foramen using Root-ZX Mini was 0.695 mm and 0.543 mm with Raypex 6. There was no significant difference. Conclusion: Two devices were accurate in locating apical foramen with an adequate level of reliability.