In vitro detection of simulated apical root perforation with two electronic apex locators

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of two electronic apex locators [Smarpex and NovApex] in detecting apical perforation. After access cavity preparations, the working length was determined by the first examiner before and after perforation with a stereomicroscope by introducing a K-file size 10 into the canal and size 25 K-file up to the perforation site, respectively. The specimens were embedded in a 17-well plastic box containing alginate. The root canals were irrigated with chlorhexidine 0.2% [CHX] through a 27-gauge needle. Two examiners measured the root canal length twice and the mean value was calculated. The data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and ANOVA tests. The results obtained with each Electronic Apex Locator were compared with the corresponding control length. The statistical analysis showed reliable accuracies in detecting the perforation site for the two experimental electronic apex locators [60% and 80% for NovApex and Smarpex, respectively]. Although no significant difference was shown between Smarpex and NovApex, these results suggest that electronic apex locators can effectively and reproducibly detect root canal perforations

Root canal configuration of one-rooted mandibular canine in an iranian population: an in vitro study

A perfect endodontic treatment necessitates proper understanding of the morphology of canal and pulpal variations. This in vitro study was conducted to demonstrate the internal anatomy of mandibular canine teeth in an Iranian population. The samples consisted of 100 extracted mandibular permanent canines. The roots of the teeth were molded in acrylic boxes. The crowns of the teeth were cut and 2 mm cross sections were made from CEJ to the apex. Sections were examined using stereomicroscope to reveal the number and location of root canals. From 100 evaluated teeth, 12 [12%] had 2 canals from which 5 had type II canal configuration and 7 [7%] had type III. 88% of the specimens had one canal and none were seen to be of type IV. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of dentist's knowledge of variations in root canal morphology, since leaving a canal untreated is one of the main reasons of endodontic failures. When treating mandibular canines, the existence of a second canal should be taken into consideration